The American papers, under the head of English news, as late

as the 20th January, give a circumstantial account of the

death of Sir James Craig, on Sunday, the 12th, at his house in

Charlotte Street. There are too many circumstances

corroborating an event which was so greatly to be apprehended,

to leave a shadow of doubt of the severe loss that all, who

were favored with his friendship, have sustained. To me, from

my earliest youth, he has been the best and kindest friend, a

steady and powerful patron; for few sons ever experienced more

truly paternal care and affectionate regard from the best of

fathers, than I have received at the hands of that best of

men. The grief that I cannot suppress is a selfish tribute to

my own irreparable loss: his release from a state of cruel,

lingering suffering, which, as I had so long witnessed, he

bore with a degree of fortitude and patient resignation

unparalleled, could have been no cause of regret to him, and

therefore ought not to be so to those who most sincerely loved

him; but I have so long been accustomed to cherish the

grateful and affectionate sentiments of a highly favored son

to the best of parents, that however I might have been

prepared for this inevitable shock, I still feel that there

are affections so rooted in our hearts, that this world's

changes can never efface the impression. His memory will long

be remembered with admiration by all who knew his merit. As a

soldier he had few equals, and no knight had a fairer claim to

the proud title of _sans peur et sans reproche_; while the

widow, the orphan, and every distressed object that claimed

his aid, will testify the generous heart that once animated

that good and honorable man.

The ladies of this house always beg to be remembered to you,

with the sincerest good wishes for your health and happiness.

Mrs. Baynes has been plotting with Mrs. Colonel Robertson to

elope and pay you a visit, pressing Heriot[47] into their

service as their knight errant.

_Major-General Brock to Lieut.-Colonel Nichol, Commanding 2d Regiment

Norfolk Militia._

YORK, April 8, 1812.

The power which is vested in the person administering the

government, by the amended act of the militia, passed the last

session of the provincial parliament, of forming two flank

companies, to be taken indiscriminately from the battalions,

being limited to the end of the ensuing session, would almost

deter me from incurring public expense upon a system which

will cease to operate before its utility and efficacy can well

be ascertained.

But being anxious at this important crisis to organize an

armed force with a view of meeting future exigencies, and to

demonstrate by practical experience the degree of facility

with which the militia may be trained for service, I have to

request you to adopt immediate measures for forming and

completing, from among such men as voluntarily offer to serve,

two companies, not to exceed one captain, two subalterns, two

sergeants, one drummer, and thirty-five rank and file each, in

the regiment under your command.

You will have the goodness to recommend two captains, whom

you conceive the best qualified to undertake this important

duty; the nominating of the subalterns is left to your

discretion.

Such other regiments as are conveniently situated to receive

military instruction, shall have an opportunity afforded them

of shewing their ardour in the public service, which cannot

fail of creating a laudable emulation among the different

corps.

Assisted by your zeal, prudence, and intelligence, I entertain

the pleasing hope of meeting with very considerable success,

and of being able to establish the sound policy of rendering

permanent to the end of the present war, a mode of military

instruction little burdensome to individuals, and every way

calculated to secure a powerful internal defence against

hostile aggression.

Printed rules and regulations, for your future guidance, are

herewith forwarded: the most simple, and at the same time the

most useful, movements have been selected for the practice of

the militia.

Experience has shewn the absolute necessity of adopting every

possible precaution to preserve in a proper state the arms

issued to the militia, and of guarding against the heavy

defalcations which have heretofore occurred.

You will make applications to the officers commanding at Fort

Erie for the number of arms and accoutrements wanting to

complete the men actually engaged to serve in the flank

companies; and that officer will be instructed to comply with

your requisition, upon your transmitting to him duplicate

receipts, one of which is to be forwarded to head quarters,

that you may become responsible for the articles delivered to

your order: at the same time, the most liberal construction

will be given to any representation accounting for such

contingencies as are incidental to the service.

[The remaining details in this letter are omitted here.]

_Sir James Saumarez, Bart.[48] to Major-General Brock._

SPITHEAD, April 14, 1812.

Lieutenant Le Couteur[49] being ordered to join his regiment

in Canada, permit me to recommend him to your kind notice: he

is a promising young officer, and being connected with our

family, makes me interested for his welfare. I congratulate

you upon your present distinguished appointment. A few weeks

previous to my leaving town, I was informed by Lord Liverpool

that Governor Gore had leave of absence, but that if he did

not return to his command, he would be happy in taking your

services into consideration. From what his lordship was

pleased to add, I have no doubt of your succeeding to the

government, in the event of Governor Gore obtaining any other

situation.

I am on the point of returning to the Baltic, where there

appears a strong disposition on the part of Russia and some

of the other powers to resist the aggressions of Bonaparte,--I

trust with well-founded hopes of ultimate success.

_Major-General Le Couteur to Major-General Brock._

LISBON, April 16, 1812.

I am here in consequence of a mistake in orders sent to me by

Lord Palmerston, to join the army in Portugal, when his

lordship meant Jamaica. On my arrival at Lisbon I found out

the mistake, and I hope in a few days to sail for my real

destination.

My son, whom you perhaps will remember an infant when you were

in Jersey, will have the pleasure to deliver you this letter,

if the 104th regiment be in your neighbourhood. He is only

seventeen years old; very young to be sent loose on the wide

world. Allow me to recommend him to your kindness and friendly

protection; and should he be quartered at some distance from

you, permit me to request you will be so good as to introduce

him to some steady officer, or to such of your friends as

might be in his neighbourhood. I shall hope to have him soon

as my aide-de-camp.

_Sir John Dumaresq, Kt., Lieut.-Bailiff of Jersey, to Major-General

Brock_.

JERSEY, April 20, 1812.

I hope you will pardon the liberty I take of giving a letter

of introduction to you to my grandson, Lieut. John Le Couteur,

of the 104th, son of Major-General Le Couteur, who is on his

departure for Quebec with recruits. His father, who is now in

Portugal, had some hopes his son might have been allowed to be

on his staff; but it seems that could not take place until he

has served a certain time in the regiment. He is a young man

(not yet eighteen) of an excellent disposition, educated at

Marlow, where he has given the most pleasing testimonies of

early professional abilities and attention to his duty. I

shall esteem, it a great favor, as well as his father, for any

mark of attention or notice which you may have it in your

power to shew him whilst under your command.

_Major-General Brock to Sir George Prevost_.

YORK, April 22, 1812.

I had the honor yesterday to receive your excellency's letter,

dated the 21st ultimo, and I entreat you to believe that no

act within my control shall afford the government of the

United States a legitimate pretext to add to a clamour which

has been so artfully raised against England.

We have received the account of the renewal of the embargo,

and that the most rigorous measures have already been adopted

to prevent the least infringement of it upon the Niagara

river. Armed men, in coloured clothes, are continually

patroling along the shore. These troops are stated to have

recently arrived, but I have not been able to ascertain

whether they belong to the new levy or to the militia. They

are reported to amount to about 300. Colonel Proctor has

doubtless written fully on the subject, but unfortunately the

letters, by some negligence, were left at Niagara. The

accounts which have reached me are not therefore so

satisfactory as could be wished. An idle boy is stated to have

wantonly fired with ball at the guard opposite Queenstown, and

it appears that the Americans were guilty of a similar outrage

by firing during the night into a room in which a woman was

sitting. Luckily no mischief followed. Being detained here

upon civil business, I have sent Captain Glegg over to see how

matters stand, and to arrange with both civil and military the

best means of preventing a recurrence of a practice which may

easily lead to serious consequences. I hope to be at Niagara

myself the day after to-morrow.

I beg leave to assure your excellency, that I receive with no

small degree of pride the praise bestowed on my endeavours to

improve the militia system of this province; and as the bill

underwent some alterations after the departure of Colonel

M'Donnell, particularly in limiting its operation to the end

of the ensuing session, I shall have the honor to forward for

your excellency's information the law as now enforced. I have,

by partial and gentle means, already commenced to give it

operation, and I make not the least doubt that a sufficient

number will be found ready to volunteer to complete the flank

companies; and I here beg leave to call your excellency's

attention to the clause which authorizes the training of the

flank companies six times in each month; but as no provision

is made for remunerating the men, I presume to submit for your

excellency's indulgent consideration, that the commissaries be

instructed to issue rations for the number actually present at

exercise. These companies I expect will be composed of the

best description of inhabitants, who in most cases will have

to go a great distance to attend parade; and, unless this

liberal provision be allowed, will be liable to heavy expense,

or be subject to considerable privations. According to my

present arrangements, the number embodied will not exceed 700,

and when the companies are completed throughout the province,

they must be calculated at 1,800; and, as during harvest and

the winter months few or no parades will take place, the total

expense attending the measure can be of no material

consequence in a pecuniary point of view, and may in a

political light be productive, at this juncture, of

considerable benefit.

I have likewise to request that such portion of clothing as

your excellency can conveniently spare from the king's stores,

may be forwarded, to enable me to clothe such companies as are

the most likely to be called upon duty.

I am anxious to hear the real object of the embargo; should it

be directed solely against England, the probability is that it

leads to a war; but should France be included in its

operation, nothing of the kind need be dreaded.

In the expectation of having the honor of seeing your

excellency shortly at York, I limit, for the present, the

works of the military artificers at this place, to preparing a

temporary magazine for the reception of the spare powder at

Fort George and Kingston, and the excavation of the ditch for

the proposed fortifications of the spot on which the

government house stands.

I transmit, for your excellency's perusal, a detailed account

of the transactions which led to the unjustifiable censure

passed by the house of assembly upon Chief Justice Scott. It

is written by Mr. Nichol himself; and the warmth with which he

has expressed his indignation at the wanton exercise of a

power yet undefined, as far as regards this province, is not

therefore surprising. I am convinced that whenever the

business is brought legally before the judges, they will

refuse to sanction the enormous power, under the name of

privilege, which the house arrogates to itself. The executive

will in that case be placed in a very awkward predicament: Mr.

Nichol having commenced civil actions against the speaker and

sergeant at arms for false imprisonment, will, should he

succeed in obtaining damages, bring the question with double

force on the _tapis_. The violence and ignorance which, in all

probability, will mark the proceedings of the house, cannot

fail of producing a dissolution. I apply forcibly to ministers

for instructions, but should they be contrary to the opinion

which the judges of the court of king's bench have formed of

the law, I am led to believe they will not influence the

members; therefore, one of two alternatives must be resorted

to, either the appointment of more docile judges, or the

decision of the question by a British act of parliament. I

trust, for the tranquillity and prosperity of the province,

that the latter mode may be preferred. I have thus freely, and

perhaps with rather too much haste to be sufficiently

explicit, stated the difficulties which in all likelihood I

shall have to encounter at the next meeting of the

legislature.

Should the effect of the embargo appear to be directed solely

at Great Britain, I shall avail myself of the confidence

placed in me, and order the purchase of horses, to enable the

car brigade to act in case of necessity. This, being a service

which requires infinite trouble and practice to bring to any

degree of perfection, cannot be too soon attended to.

_Sir George Prevost to Major-General Brock_.

QUEBEC, April 30, 1812.

I have just heard from Mr. Foster that the secretary at war,

at Washington, has transmitted orders to Governor Tompkins, of

New York, to send 500 of the state militia to Niagara, 500 to

the mouth of the Black River, opposite to Kingston, and 600 to

Champlain, in consequence of the hostile appearances in

Canada. Mr. Foster is of opinion the government of the United

States calculates that something will happen on the part of

these men to produce a quarrel with the British troops, which

may lead to retaliation on both sides, and occasion

hostilities to commence, as in this way alone, it seems

thought, an unjust war can be forced on the American people,

who are represented as really averse to it. We must,

therefore, use every effort in our power to prevent any

collision from taking place between our forces and the

American.

I have also received information that the American garrison at

Fort Chicago, not exceeding 60 men, has been ordered to

Detroit, in consequence of apprehensions from the Indians.

_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock_.

QUEBEC, May 14, 1812.

I have great satisfaction in telling you that I have reported

the Glengary light infantry more than complete to the

establishment of 400 rank and file, and have received Sir

George Prevost's commands to recruit for a higher

establishment; indeed, the quotas the officers have engaged to

fulfil will nearly amount to double that number; and from the

very great success that has attended our exertions, I have no

doubt of succeeding by the end of this year. Two officers have

divided Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for their hunting

ground, and are permitted to recruit Acadians; and Lieutenant

Ronald M'Donnell, of the Canadians, proceeds in a few days to

Pictou and the highland settlements on the coast and gulf: he

is an officer that appears to be eminently qualified for that

service, and he is sanguine that the proffer of lands in the

Scotch settlements of Upper Canada will induce great numbers

to enter. I am assured from various channels that the men I

have got are generally young, rather too much so, and of a

good description, there being very few Yankees amongst them.

I have long letters from my friends at home, giving me a

detailed account of the death of my excellent and best of

friends: the duke of York sat by his bedside for half an hour

the day before he died, and, Somerville says, was extremely

affected. Sir James, (Craig,) on the contrary, rallied from

the pleasure he experienced from this condescending kindness.

Sir James had a codicil written fair for his signature, the

chief object of which was to add a legacy for a female cousin

whom he did not know to be in existence, and to direct the

sale of the priory and freehold, which cost 12,000 guineas, to

enable the payment of the legacies: this instrument, not

having been executed, will lead to what he most deprecated and

wished to avoid, a lawsuit. The heirs at law will possess the

freehold; and Wilkie, who, besides £6,000, is left the two

houses in London, furniture, &c, as residuary legatee, will be

stripped of the whole that is not given by special bequest, to

make up the legacies: he will however, I believe, have at

least £10,000 left--very ample payment for his services.

Sir George has announced his intention of recommending

Battersby to be lieutenant-colonel of the Glengary corps, and

ordered him to take the command of the recruits assembled at

Three Rivers. Your major of brigade[50] will be recommended to

succeed to his majority in the king's regiment.

_Major-Gencral Brock to Sir George Prevost_.

YORK, May 16, 1812.

I have this day been honored with your excellency's

confidential communication, dated the 30th ultimo.

I have long since thought that nothing but the public voice

restrained the United States government from commencing direct

hostilities; and it is but reasonable to expect that they will

seek every opportunity to influence the minds of the people

against England, in order to bring them the more readily into

their measures. It will be my study to guard against every

event that can give them any just cause of complaint; but the

proximity of the two countries will in all probability produce

collisions which, however accidentally brought about, will be

represented as so many acts of aggression. It would not

surprise me if their first attempt to excite irritation were

the seizing of the islands in the channel, to which both

countries lay claim: such was represented to Sir James Craig

on a former occasion to be their intention.

In addition to the force specified by your excellency, I

understand that six companies of the Ohio militia are intended

for Detroit. Our interests with the Indians will materially

suffer in consequence of these extensive preparations being

allowed to proceed with impunity. I have always considered

that the reduction of Detroit would be a signal for a cordial

co-operation on the part of the Indians; and if we be not in

sufficient force to effect this object, no reliance ought to

be placed in them.

About forty regulars were last week added to the garrison of

Niagara, and by all accounts barracks are to be immediately

constructed at Black Rock, almost opposite Fort Erie, for a

large force.

I returned three days ago from an excursion to Fort Erie--the

Grand River, where the Indians of the Six Nations are

settled--and back by the head of the lake. Every gentleman,

with whom I had an opportunity of conversing, assured me that

an exceedingly good disposition prevailed among the people.

The flank companies, in the districts in which they have been

established, were instantly completed with volunteers, and

indeed an almost unanimous disposition to serve is daily

manifested. I shall proceed to extend this system now I have

ascertained that the people are so well disposed--but my means

are very limited.

I propose detaching 100 rank and file of the 41st regiment to

Amherstburg, almost immediately.

_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock_.

QUEBEC, May 21, 1812.

Sir George has allowed me to make the following extracts from

a dispatch of Mr. Foster's, dated the 28th April, which I do

in the minister's own words: "The American government affect

now to have taken every step incumbent on the executive as

preparatory to war, and leave the ultimate decision to

congress, as vested by the constitution in that body, which is

fluctuating as the sea: there is a great party in the house of

representatives for war, composed principally of the western

and southern states--members who have little to lose, and may

gain, while the northern and eastern states are vehement

against it. The embargo seems to have been resolved upon,

because at the moment they did not know what else to do. The

cabinet wished only sixty days--the senate made it ninety. Our

government leaves no room to expect a repeal of the order in

council, yet they wait for the return of the Hornet. Something

decisive must then be known; perhaps when they become

completely convinced of Bonaparte's playing upon them, it will

end in declaring against France. The question of adjournment

was lost, notwithstanding there was an absolute majority known

a few minutes before in its favor. The ruling party are split

into many; the old revolutionists, jealous of younger men

taking a lead. The army cannot, I conceive, soon be filled

up--they get few recruits."

You will have heard, long ere you receive this, that the 49th

regiment is ordered home; the 41st are by the same authority

to return to Europe, but Sir George will not, under existing

circumstances, attempt to relieve the posts in Upper Canada,

so that there will be no immediate change in your quarter. Sir

George regrets that he has not field officers of the

description you require to command at Kingston and

Amherstburg. The only prospect of relief in that respect which

he has in view, is from the arrival of the absent inspecting

field officers.

The arrangement you propose respecting the unfortunate

delinquents of the 41st regiment, will perfectly meet the

approbation of Sir George, who approved of your not forwarding

the resignation of the younger members, or indeed of any, if

they are worthy of consideration.

Kempt has brought his name into notice in the assault of La

Picurina, an outwork at Badajoz, where he commanded, being on

duty in the trenches. The Glengary levy goes on swimmingly.

_Sir George Prevost to Major-General Brock_.

QUEBEC, May 27, 1812.

I was much pleased to find, by your letter of the 22d ultimo,

you had taken precautions to prevent any act occurring within

your control that should afford the government of the United

States a legitimate pretext to add to the clamour artfully

raised by it against England.

The circumstance which happened to the guard stationed

opposite to Queenstown, arrived here much exaggerated. Your

account of it silenced the idle reports in circulation.

I agree with you in deploring the limitation, until the end of

the ensuing session, in the operation of the militia act for

Upper Canada; but as in the event of hostilities it might not

be possible to convene the legislature, then the bill would in

all probability continue in force during the war, provided you

were not induced to make an exertion for a more perfect law.

Colonel Baynes having informed me he had an opportunity of

communicating with you more expeditiously than by post, I

desired him to make you acquainted with the peaceful

intelligence I had just received from Mr. Foster; but although

it comes with a good deal of reservation, still it warrants me

in recommending the most rigid economy in carrying on the

king's service, and in avoiding all expense that has not

become absolutely necessary, as it is with the utmost

difficulty money can be raised for the ordinary service.

I am apprehensive that I cannot look forward to the pleasure

of seeing you before the end of August, as my presence in the

province is become indispensably necessary during the first

operation of the new militia law.

Many thanks for the particulars of the transaction which led

to the censure passed by the house of assembly on Chief

Justice Scott.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 43: He died at Mount Vernon, on the 14th December, 1799, in

the sixty-eighth year of his age, leaving a widow but no issue.]

[Footnote 44: Pictorial History of England.]

[Footnote 45: This and a few of the subsequent letters from Colonel

Baynes are partly in cipher of figures, but of course we have not the

key.]

[Footnote 46: The present Lieut.-General Ellice, colonel of the 24th

regiment of foot. He is the officer mentioned at page 97, but was deputy

adjutant-general in Canada, and not inspecting field officer of militia

as we supposed.]

[Footnote 47: The late Major-General Heriot, C.B., then Captain Heriot,

of the 49th.]

[Footnote 48: The late Admiral Lord de Saumarez, G.C.B., &c.]

[Footnote 49: The present Colonel Le Couteur, Militia Aide-de-Camp to

the Queen, in Jersey. In the _United Service Journal_ for October, 1831,

Colonel Le Couteur has described the winter march of the 104th regiment,

early in 1813, from New Brunswick to Canada.]

[Footnote 50: The present Major-General Thomas Evans, C.B., then a

captain of the 8th foot.]

CHAPTER VII.

It will be assisting the reader, ere we proceed to detail the operations

at the commencement of hostilities, to give a brief description, not

only of the lakes and straits which constitute the water boundaries of

Upper Canada, and of the towns and military posts distributed along

them, as existing in the year 1812, but also of the territory of

Michigan, which was surrendered, with Detroit, to Major-General Brock.

The distances are given in British statute miles.

The most remote piece of water on this frontier worthy of notice is Lake

Superior, a body of fresh water unequalled by any upon the face of the

globe. Lake Superior is of a triangular form; in length 381, in breadth

161, and in circumference about 1,150 miles. Among its islands is one

nearly two-thirds as large as Jamaica. Out of Lake Superior a very rapid

current flows, over immense masses of rock, along a channel of 27 miles

in length, called St. Mary's River, into Lake Huron, at the head of

which is the British island of St. Joseph, containing a small garrison.

This isolated post is distant about 350 miles by water from Amherstburg,

which contained the nearest British garrison.

Lake Huron is in length, from west to east, 218 miles; in breadth, 180;

and in circumference, through its numerous curvatures, 812 miles. Except

the island of St. Joseph, and one or two trading establishments

belonging to the north-west company, the shores of this lake were in a

state of nature, or inhabited only by Indians. When the Americans were

allowed to obtain the dominion of Lake Erie, which they did in 1813, it

was determined at the close of the following year to create a naval

force on Lake Huron in the ensuing season, (1815,) as possessing much

greater security for the construction of vessels than Lake Erie, where

the enemy could at any time destroy them, in the same manner as their

vessels ought to have been previously destroyed by the British. Lake

Michigan, which belongs wholly to the United States, is connected with

Lake Huron at its western angle by a short and wide strait, in the

centre of which is the island of Michilimakinack, belonging to the

United States. This island is about 9 miles in circumference, and, like

St. Joseph, its neighbour, it possessed a small fort and garrison. Lake

Huron flows through the river St. Clair, which is in length about 60

miles, into Lake St. Clair, a small circular lake 30 miles in diameter.

The beautiful river Thames, in Upper Canada, opens into Lake St. Clair,

and it was along the banks of this river that Major-General Proctor

retreated in 1813. From Lake St. Clair, the stream, through the Detroit,

navigable for vessels not drawing more than fourteen feet water,

pursues a course of nearly 40 miles into Lake Erie.

Upon the western side of the Detroit is situate the American town of

that name. About 5 miles below Detroit, upon the opposite side of the

strait, is the British village of Sandwich, then containing scarcely

fifty houses; and 18 miles lower, and within four of the termination of

the strait, is the British village of Amherstburg, then containing about

one hundred houses, and a fort where a small garrison was maintained,

and where the principal vessels for the service of Lake Erie were

constructed. The American village of Brownstown stands nearly opposite

to Amherstburg, which is distant from Quebec by the nearest route by

water 815 miles, from Fort Erie about 250 miles, and from York 315

miles.

Lake Erie, from Miamis Bay to the entrance of the straits of Niagara, is

in length 257 miles, in breadth 64 miles, and in circumference 658

miles. The greatest depth of water is between forty and forty-five

fathoms, but a very rocky bottom renders the anchorage unsafe in blowing

weather. Except Amherstburg, the British have no harbour or naval depôt

upon Lake Erie, while the Americans have two or three excellent ones.

_Presqu'île_ harbour is situate on the southern side of the lake, not

far from the entrance to the Niagara. It is a safe station, but has a

seven feet bar at its entrance, as indeed have all the other harbours on

this lake. The town, named Erie, is situate on the south side of the

harbour, and contains a dock yard, in which the Americans built their

Lake Erie fleet. To the eastward of the town stands a strong battery,

and on the point of the Peninsula forming the harbour, a block house,

for the protection of this naval depôt. The rivers Raisin, Sandusky, and

Miami, the scenes of important operations during the war, discharge

themselves into Lake Erie.

On the north-western side of the entrance to the Niagara river stands,

at a distance of 565 miles from Quebec, the British fort Erie, at best a

very inconsiderable work. Near to the same outlet from Lake Erie is

Buffalo Creek, on the border of which is built the American village of

Buffalo; and about 2 miles beyond it, Black Rock, where there is a

battery, and a ferry, about 800 yards across, to Bertie, in Upper

Canada. The Niagara proceeds at a quick rate past several small and one

large island, called _Grande Isle_, 10 miles long; about 2 miles below

which, on the American side, and distant 2 miles from the Falls, is the

site of Fort Schlosser. At about the same distance from the Falls, on

the opposite side, standing on the northern bank of the river Chippewa,

is the British village of the same name, distant from Fort Erie 17

miles. Chippewa consisted chiefly of store houses; and near it was a

small stockaded work, called Fort Chippewa. At the distance of 23 miles

from the entrance to the Niagara, is Goat Island, about half a mile

long, and which extends to the precipice that gives rise to the

celebrated Falls. The larger body of water flows between Upper Canada

and Goat Island, at the upper end of which island the broken water, or

_rapids_, commence. Here the stream passes on both sides of the island,

over a bed of rocks and precipices, with astonishing rapidity; till,

having descended more than fifty feet in the distance of half a mile, it

falls, on the British side 157, and on the New York side 162, feet

perpendicularly.

From the cataract, the river is a continued rapid, half a mile in width,

for about 7 miles. At this point stand, opposite to each other, the

villages of Queenstown and Lewistown. The latter, situate upon the

American side, contained, till destroyed as a retaliatory measure,

between forty and fifty houses. At about six miles and a half from

Queenstown, near to the river side, stands Fort George, then constructed

of earthen ramparts and palisades of cedar, and mounting no heavier

metal than 9-pounders. About half a mile below Fort George, and close to

the borders of Lake Ontario, stood the beautiful and flourishing village

of Newark, which was burnt by the Americans.

Directly opposite to Newark, upon a neck of land projecting partly

across the mouth of the river, which is here 875 yards in width, stands

the American fort of Niagara, the scene of so many conflicts. It was

built by the French in 1751; taken by us in 1759;[51] and, along with

several other frontier posts, ceded to the United States in 1794; and,

though since taken, has again been ceded to the same power. Fort

Niagara, unlike any of the Canadian forts along that frontier, is a

regular fortification, built of stone, on the land side, with breast

works, and every necessary appendage. It mounts between twenty and

thirty heavy pieces of ordnance, and contains a furnace for heating

shot.

The strait of Niagara is about 36 miles in length; and its shores, on

both sides, were, more or less, the scenes of active warfare during the

whole period of hostilities. Lake Ontario, to which the strait leads, is

in length, from west to east, 171, in breadth 50, and in circumference

467 miles. The depth of water varies much, it being in some places three

or four, in others fifty fathoms: towards the centre three hundred

fathoms of line have, it is said, not found the bottom. York harbour

lies on the north side of Lake Ontario; is nearly circular, of about a

mile and a half in diameter, and formed by a narrow peninsula extending

to Gibraltar Point, upon which a blockhouse has been erected. The town

of York, (now called Toronto,) the infant capital of Upper Canada, is in

lat. 43° 35' north, and long. 78° 30' west, and is distant from Fort

George by water about 30 miles. The public buildings consisted of a

government house, the house of assembly, a church, court-house, and a

gaol, with numerous stores belonging to government. Kingston harbour is

situate at the eastern extremity of Lake Ontario. It contains good

anchorage in three fathoms water, and was defended by a small battery of

9-pounders on Mississaga Point, and another, of the same metal chiefly,

on Point Frederick. The town, which was the largest and most populous in

the Upper Province, contained about 370 houses; including several

buildings and stores belonging to government. Its distance from York is

145, from Montreal, in an opposite direction, 198, and from Quebec 378

miles. Opposite to, and distant about half a mile from, the town, is a

long low peninsula, forming the west side of Navy Bay, the principal

naval depôt of the British on this lake, and where the ships of war were

constructed.

Of the American military posts on Lake Ontario, the principal one is

Sackett's harbour, distant from Kingston, by the ship channel, 35 miles.

The harbour is small but well sheltered. From the north-west runs out a

low point of land, upon which was the dock yard with large store houses,

and all the buildings requisite for such an establishment. Upon this

point there was a strong work called Fort Tompkins, having within it a

blockhouse two stories high: on the land side it was covered by a strong

picketing, in which there were embrasures; at the bottom of the harbour

was the village, containing about seventy houses; and, to the southward

of it, a large barrack, capable of containing 2,000 men, and generally

occupied by the marines belonging to the fleet. Towards the middle of

1814, there were three additional works, Fort Virginia, Fort Chauncey,

and Fort Kentucky, as well as several new blockhouses; and the guns then

mounted upon the different forts exceeded sixty.[52]

The greatest length of the Michigan territory, from south-east to

north-west, is 500 miles, and the number of square miles both of land

and water is estimated at 150,000. The country was then chiefly in the

possession of the Indians, and the white population amounted by the

previous census to about 5,000. It includes two peninsulas of unequal

size, in addition to which are numerous islands, constituent parts of

the territory. The most important of these is Michilimakinack, already

described. This island, while in the former possession of the British,

was the general rendezvous of the North-West traders and the Indians

they supplied. Here the outfits were furnished for the countries of Lake

Michigan and the Mississippi, Lake Superior and the North-West; and here

the returns of furs were collected and embarked for Montreal. Detroit,

the chief town of the territory, is situated on the right bank of the

strait, 10 miles below Lake St. Clair and 28 miles above Lake Erie. It

then contained above two hundred houses, many of brick, and upwards of

1,200 inhabitants. In the rear of the fort was an extensive common,

skirted by boundless and almost impenetrable forests. We learn from

Morse's American Geography, on the acknowledged authority of Governor

Hull, that Fort Detroit, in 1810, was a regular work of an oblong

figure, "covering about an acre of ground. The parapets were about

twenty feet in height, built of earth and sods, with four bastions, the

whole surrounded with pallisadoes, a deep ditch, and glacis. It stood

immediately back of the town, and had strength to withstand a regular

siege, but did not command the river." And as the American government

had been for some time secretly preparing for war, it may be safely

inferred, that in the meanwhile this fort had been rather strengthened

than permitted to fall to decay; and that it was at least as tenable in

1812 as when Governor Hull, two years before, gave the preceding

description of its defences. The town of Detroit is in lat. 42° 15'

north, and long. 82° 33' west.

About the year 1763, Detroit, then indeed the far west, and containing a

garrison of 300 men, was nearly captured by stratagem by Pontiac, the

celebrated Indian chief of that day, who waged war against the British,

and whose alliance, before the capture of Quebec by Wolfe, in 1759, was

anxiously courted by both the French and English.[53]

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 51: The 49th British regiment assisted at the reduction of

this fort in July, 1759.]

[Footnote 52: James' Military Occurrences of the late War between Great

Britain and the United States, 2 vols. London, 1818.]

[Footnote 53: For a description of the deeds of Pontiac, or Pondiac, as

she spells his name, see Mrs. Grant's "Memoirs of an American Lady,"

vol. ii.]

CHAPTER VIII.

The discussions which had been so long pending between Great Britain and

the United States, assumed, during the winter of 1811-12, a very serious

aspect. But many did not believe that the latter power was inclined to

proceed to extremities; while others, who foresaw that it only awaited a

favorable moment to invade the Canadas, which were supposed ripe for

revolt and would therefore fall an easy conquest, were prepared to

expect what soon after followed, a declaration of war against Great

Britain.

As this was not the first time that the American government had

proceeded to menaces, and as the northern and eastern states were known

to be averse to hostilities, the British ministry were deluded into a

belief that peace would yet be maintained. Mr. Foster, the English

minister at Washington, seems to have partaken of this delusion, for it

does not appear that he had taken any precautionary measures to convey

to the governor of the British North American Provinces the earliest

intelligence of the declaration of war on the 18th June, 1812; and, had

it not been for the prudent foresight of some British merchants at New

York, it is possible that the first intimation would have been received

from the mouths of the American cannon. To Upper Canada Mr. Foster sent

no notice whatever of the war, and Major-General Brock was left to learn

it officially through the circuitous and dilatory channel of the

governor-general. Happily, individual diligence made up for this

unpardonable neglect; and the war was known by private expresses at

Montreal, in Lower, and at Fort George, in Upper Canada, on the 24th of

June, or in six days after its declaration at Washington.

At this period the exigencies of the Peninsular war, which depended

chiefly upon English arms and English money, required the almost

undivided attention and energies of the British ministry, who are thus

entitled to some excuse for their neglect of North American affairs; but

they will still remain amenable to the charge of having been guilty of

the folly of too much despising the new enemy arrayed against them at

that most busy and critical moment. The want of a sufficient force for

the protection of the Canadas[54] might have proved fatal, at least to

the Upper Province, had not Major-General Brock, from the first moment

of being placed at the head of his government, been convinced that war

was inevitable; and that in consequence every exertion should be used to

place the province in as respectable a state of defence as his very

limited means would admit. The instant the navigation opened in the

spring, a supply of ordnance and other stores was hurried up to fort St.

Joseph; and its commandant, Captain Roberts, was instructed to be

constantly on his guard. Similar precautions were adopted relative to

Amherstburg, to which post Major-General Brock paid a visit early in

June, and fortunately took with him a reinforcement of 100 men of the

41st regiment. But in the execution of his plans he had to encounter

many obstacles, among which the subordinate nature of his command was

not the least formidable. Even as late as the 27th May, Sir George

Prevost does not seem to have considered hostilities so near, as on that

day he recommended to Major-General Brock the most rigid economy in

carrying on the public service, and in avoiding all expense that was not

absolutely necessary, on the plea of the great difficulty of raising

money. Sir George has, however, been wrongly accused of not sending any

instructions whatever to Major-General Brock for some weeks after he

received intimation of the war, as he did so from Montreal on the 7th

and 10th of July, or in less than a fortnight afterwards; but, either

from his dispatches not being transmitted by express, or from some other

unexplained cause, they did not reach their destination until the 29th

of July, or exactly five weeks after the declaration of war was known

in Upper Canada.

On the breaking out of hostilities, the regular force in Upper Canada

amounted to barely 1,500 men, including seamen, as under:

41st Regiment 900

10th Veterans 250

Newfoundland Regiment 250

Royal Artillery 50

Provincial Seamen 50

====

Total 1500 men.

This force had to occupy the forts St. Joseph, Amherstburg, and

Chippewa--Fort Erie and Fort George--and York and Kingston--to maintain

the superiority on the lakes; to preserve the communication and escort

convoys between Coteau de Lac and Kingston; and to defend an assailable

frontier of nearly 800 miles, reckoning from the confines of Lower

Canada to Amherstburg, and excluding the British coast from the Detroit

to Fort St. Joseph. With this very inadequate force, it was the opinion

of the highest authorities that the country could not be maintained.

Major-General Brock was well aware that, in carrying on the war along so

extensive a frontier, uncovered by a single fortress of strength, and

with such a handful of regular troops, he could only expect success in

the aid and zealous co-operation of the people. But the province had

long been torn by intestine disputes, and the prevailing factionwhich

had been originally established by one of the judges, and which after

his departure was fostered by one of his zealous supporters--had been

for years hostile to the measures of the government. We have already

given Major-General Brock's speech to the provincial parliament, on his

meeting it for the first time; the session, although obstructed by party

dissensions and unlooked-for opposition, terminated better than was

anticipated, as the rancorous spirit of many was subdued by his frank

and conciliatory demeanour; and laws were passed which enabled him to

organize the flank companies of the militia, unaccompanied, however, by

the desired oath of abjuration, so as to exclude settlers from the

United States and persons of doubtful loyalty. A troop of volunteer

cavalry was also incorporated, and on his return to York from

Amherstburg, about the 20th of June, Major-General Brock was gratified

by the offer of a company of farmers' sons with their draft horses for

the equipment of a car brigade, under Captain Holcroft, of the royal

artillery, which offer he gladly accepted.

Major-General Brock was at York when he received intelligence of the

war--an event which he had long anticipated, and which therefore did not

take him by surprise. After assembling his council and summoning an

extra session of the legislature, he hastened with his brigade major,

Evans, and his aide-de-camp, Captain Glegg, to Fort George, on the

Niagara frontier, where he immediately established his head quarters.

It was at first his intention to capture the opposite American fort

Niagara; but the high responsibility he was about to assume, of acting

without instructions or an official communication, being represented to

him, he confined himself to collecting and preparing his small force for

offensive or defensive operations. Early in July he procured a "National

Intelligencer," which contained the act of congress declaratory of war,

and the message of the president accompanying it, and this information

was of course decisive.

_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock_.

QUEBEC, June 25, 1812.

Sir George Prevost desires me to inform you that he has this

instant received intelligence from Mr. Richardson, by an

express to the north-west company, announcing that the

American government had declared war against Great Britain.

This dispatch left New York on the 20th instant, and does not

furnish any other circumstance of intelligence whatever. His

excellency is induced to give perfect and entire credit to

this report, although it has not yet reached through any

official channel. Indeed, the extraordinary dispatch which has

attended this courier, fully explains his not having received

the minister's letters, of which he will not fail to give you

the earliest intimation.

Mr. Richardson informs his excellency that it is the intention

of the company to send six large canoes to receive their furs

by the Grand River, (or Ottawa,) and should it be thought

expedient to reinforce the post of St. Joseph, that they will

be able to carry six soldiers in each boat.[55] Anxious as Sir

George feels to render you every aid in his power, and to

afford every possible assistance and protection to the

north-west company, who have on their part assured his

excellency of their ready and active co-operation to the

utmost of their ability, his excellency, nevertheless, does

not think it advisable, under existing circumstances, to

weaken the 49th regiment, which occupies so important and

critical a station; nor can he hold out any certain prospect

of any further reinforcement until the arrival of the troops

he has been led to expect from England, but directs me to

assure you of his cordial wish to render you every efficient

support in his power.

_Major-General Brock to Sir George Prevost_.

FORT GEORGE, July 3, 1812.

I have been anxiously expecting for some days to receive the

honor of your excellency's commands in regard to the measures

the most proper to be pursued on the present emergency.

The accounts received, first through a mercantile channel, and

soon after repeated from various quarters, of war having been

declared by the United States against Great Britain, would

have justified, in my opinion, offensive operations. But the

reflection that at Detroit and Michilimakinack the weak state

of the garrisons would prevent the commanders from

accomplishing any essential service, connected in any degree

with their future security, and that my means of annoyance on

this communication were limited to the reduction of Fort

Niagara, which could easily be battered at any future period,

I relinquished my original intention, and attended only to

defensive measures. My first object has been the calling out

of the flank companies of militia, which has produced a force

on this line of about 800 men. They turned out very

cheerfully, but already shew a spirit of impatience. The

king's stores are now at so low an ebb, that they scarcely

furnish any article of use or comfort. Blankets, hammocks and

kettles, are all to be purchased; and the troops, when

watching the banks of the river, stand in the utmost need of

tents. Mr. Couche has adopted the most efficacious means to

pay the militia in paper currency. I cannot positively state

the number of militia that will be embodied, but they cannot

exceed throughout the province 4,000 men.

The Americans are very active on the opposite side, in the

erection of redoubts; we are not idle on our part, but

unfortunately, having supplied Amherstburg with the guns which

that post required from Fort George, depending upon getting

others from Kingston to supply their place, we find ourselves

at this moment rather short of that essential arm. I have,

however, every reason to think that they are embarked on board

the Earl Moira, which vessel, according to Major M'Pherson's

report, was to have sailed on the 28th ultimo. The Americans

have, I believe, about 1,200 regulars and militia between Fort

Niagara and Black Rock, and I consider myself at this moment

perfectly safe against any attempt they can make. About 100

Indians from the Grand River have attended to my summons; the

remainder promise to come also, but I have too much reason to

conclude that the Americans have been too successful in their

endeavours to sow dissension and disaffection among them. It

is a great object to get this fickle race interspersed among

the troops. I should be unwilling, in the event of a retreat,

to have three or four hundred of them hanging on my flank. I

shall probably have to sacrifice some money to gain them over,

and the appointment of a few officers with salaries will be

absolutely necessary.

The Americans make a daily parade of their force, and easily

impose on the people on this side in regard to their numbers.

I do not think they exceed 1,200, but they are represented as

infinitely more numerous.

For the last fortnight every precaution has been taken to

guard against the least communication, and to this day we are

ignorant whether the president has sanctioned the war

resolutions of the two houses of congress; that is, whether

war be actually declared.

The car brigade has been completed for service with horses

belonging to gentlemen, who spared them free of expense.

I have not been honored with a line from Mr. Foster, nor with

all my endeavours have I been able to obtain information of

any consequence. The Prince Regent made her first voyage this

morning, and I purpose sending her to Kingston this evening,

to bring such articles as are absolutely necessary, which we

know have arrived from Quebec. I trust she will out-sail the

Oneida brig.

_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock._

MONTREAL, July 4, 1812.

We have a report here of your having commenced operations by

levelling the American fort at Niagara. The general is most

anxious to hear good and recent intelligence from your

quarter. There is no considerable assembly of troops in our

neighbourhood as yet; the flank companies, embodied under

Colonel Young, are on their march, and the 2,000 militia will

form a chain of posts from St. John's to La Prairie. The town

militia of this and Quebec, to the amount of 3,000 in each

city, have volunteered being embodied and drilled, and will

take their proportion of garrison duty to relieve the troops.

The proclamation for declaring martial law is prepared, and

will be speedily issued. All aliens will be required to take

the oath of allegiance, or immediately quit the province. Our

cash is at its last issue, and a substitute of paper must per

force be resorted to. This has been Sir George's principal

object in calling the legislature together. You have a very

arduous and difficult card to play, and have our sincere and

confident wishes for your success. Sir George strongly

recommends extreme moderation in the use of the Indians, and

to keep them in control as much as possible.

[This letter contains the details of a large and armed assembly at La

Chine, near Montreal, of French Canadians, who refused to serve in the

embodied militia. They were dispersed by the light company of the 49th,

and a detachment of artillery with two field pieces, under the command

of Major Plenderleath, of the 49th, but not before one Canadian was

killed and another dangerously wounded.]

_Sir George Prevost to Major-General Brock_.

MONTREAL, July 7, 1812.

It was only on my arrival at Montreal that I received Mr.

Foster's notification of the congress of the United States

having declared war against Great Britain; the fact had been

previously ascertained through mercantile channels.

I am convinced you have acted wisely in abstaining from

offensive operations, which in their effect might have united

a people governed by public opinion, and among whom too much

division exists, at this moment, to admit of its influence in

promoting vigorous measures against us.

The manner of the flank companies of militia turning out must

have been very satisfactory to you. I hope your supplies of

ordnance and ordnance stores, on their way from Kingston, have

arrived safe.

I have caused arms, accoutrements and ammunition, to be

forwarded for the use of the Cornwall, Stormont, and Dundas

battalions of militia. Camp equipage for 500 men shall be sent

to you as soon as possible, together with muskets.

We are on the eve of substituting paper for bullion. I am

aware of the Canadian prejudice against such a circulating

medium, but it must give way to the imperious necessity of the

times.

It is highly proper you should secure the services of the

Indians; but restrain and control them as much as you can.

Whatever appointments you deem indispensably necessary you are

authorized to make, as well as the sacrifice of some money to

gain them over. It is proper we should maintain our ascendancy

over the Indians, and feed with proper food their predeliction

for us.

Colonel Lethbridge, an inspecting field officer, is under

orders for Kingston, and there to wait your commands.

_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock_.

MONTREAL, July 8, 1812.

I was highly gratified yesterday in receiving your letters of

the 3d July, for we have felt extremely anxious about you ever

since we have learnt the unexpected declaration of war, which

had been so long threatened that no one believed it would

ever seriously take place; and even now it is the prevailing

opinion that, from the opposition testified by the eastern

states, offensive measures are not likely to be speedily

adopted against this country. Sir George is inclined to let

these sentiments take their course, and as little advantage

would accrue by more active measures on our part, our present

plans are all defensive. General de Rottenburg is arrived, and

the flank companies embodied are on their way: this corps,

with the embodied militia, will form a chain from La Prairie

to St. John's, with a light corps advanced in their front. We

have reports of the 103d regiment being in the river, and, it

is added, recruits for the 100th regiment.

Sir George has had applications from so many quarters for

militia below Kingston, that to insure a general arrangement

and to adopt the best system that circumstances will admit, he

has directed Colonel Lethbridge, the inspecting field officer

here, to proceed through the line of settlements to see the

several colonels and corps of militia so as to fix their

quotas, and afterwards to proceed to Kingston and assume the

command of that post, if necessary: he will be placed under

your orders, but you will perhaps not wish to bring him in

contact with the 41st regiment, as he is senior to Colonel

Proctor.

Sir George desires me to say, that he does not attempt to

prescribe specific rules for your guidance--they must be

directed by your discretion and the circumstances of the

time: the present order of the day with him is forbearance,

until hostilities are more decidedly marked.

_Sir George Prevost to Major-General Brock_.

MONTREAL, July 10, 1812.

Colonel Lethbridge's departure for Kingston affords me an

opportunity of replying more fully and confidentially to your

letter of the 3d instant, than I could venture to have done

the day before, yesterday by an uncertain conveyance. That

officer has been desired to transmit to you, together with

this dispatch, a copy of the instructions given to him for his

guidance until the exigencies of the service make it necessary

in your estimation to substitute others, or to employ the

colonel in any other situation of command. In them you will

find expressed my sentiments respecting the mode of conducting

the war on our part, suited to the existing circumstances; and

as they change, so must we vary our line of conduct, adapting

it to our means of preserving entire the king's provinces.

Our numbers would not justify offensive operations being

undertaken, unless they were solely calculated to strengthen a

defensive attitude. I consider it prudent and politic to avoid

any measure which can in its effect have a tendency to unite

the people in the American States. Whilst disunion prevails

among them, their attempts on these provinces will be feeble;

it is, therefore, our duty carefully to avoid committing any

act which may, even by construction, tend to unite the eastern

and southern states, unless, by its perpetration, we are to

derive a considerable and important advantage. But the

government of the United States, resting on public opinion for

all its measures, is liable to sudden and violent changes; it

becomes an essential part of our duty to watch the effect of

parties on its measures, and to adapt ours to the impulse

given by those possessed of influence over the public mind in

America.

Notwithstanding these observations, I have to assure you of my

perfect confidence in your measures for the preservation of

Upper Canada. All your wants shall be supplied as fast as

possible, except money, of which I have so little, as to be

obliged to have recourse to a paper currency.

The adjutant-general has reported to you the aid we have

afforded, in arms and ammunition, to your militia at Cornwall,

Glengary, Dundas, and Stormont.

To prevent an interruption to the communication between the

two provinces, it is fit a system of convoy should be

established between Montreal and Kingston; and as

Major-General de Rottenburg is to remain here in command of a

cordon of troops, consisting of regulars and militia,

(established in this neighbourhood to prevent an irruption for

the plunder of Montreal,) whilst I attend to parliamentary

duties at Quebec, on that subject you may communicate direct

with the major-general, as he has my instructions to

co-operate with you on preserving this important object.

_Major-General Brock to Sir George Prevost_.

FORT GEORGE, July 12, 1812.

With the exception of occasional firing from the opposite

shore, (the unauthorized act of an undisciplined militia,)

nothing of a hostile nature has occurred on this communication

since I last had the honor of addressing your excellency.

The enemy is busy constructing batteries at different points

in the river, but he does not appear to have yet received

cannon to place in them. We are doing all we can on this side

to counteract his views, and the arrival this morning of the

Royal George and the vessels under her convoy, bringing

various pieces of ordnance, will give us in this respect a

decided superiority.

The militia, which assembled here immediately on the account

being received of war being declared by the United States,

have been improving daily in discipline; but the men evince a

degree of impatience under their present restraint, that is

far from inspiring confidence. So great was the clamour to

return and attend to their farms, that I found myself in some

measure compelled to sanction the departure of a large

proportion; and I am not without my apprehensions that the

remainder will, in defiance of the law, which can only impose

a fine of £20, leave the service the moment the harvest

commences. There can be no doubt that a large portion of the

population in this neighbourhood are sincere in their

professions to defend the country; but it appears likewise

evident to me that the greater part are either indifferent to

what is passing, or so completely American as to rejoice in

the prospect of a change of government. Many who now consider

our means inadequate, would readily take an active part were

the regular troops increased. These cool calculators are

numerous in all societies.

The alacrity and good temper with which the militia, in the

first instance, marched to the frontiers, have tended to

infuse in the mind of the enemy a very different sentiment of

the disposition of the inhabitants, who, he was led to believe

would, upon the first summons, declare themselves an American

state. The display for several days of a large force was made,

I have every reason to believe, in that expectation.

Nearly the whole of the arms at my disposal have been issued.

They are barely sufficient to arm the militia immediately

required to guard the frontier. Were I furnished with the

means of distributing arms among the people, in whom

confidence can be placed, they would not only overawe the

disaffected, but prove of essential use in the event of

invasion. The militia assembled in a wretched state in regard

to clothing; many were without shoes, an article which can

scarcely be provided in the country.

After the cannon, which have arrived this morning, are

mounted, I shall consider my front perfectly secure. I do not

imagine the enemy will hazard a water excursion with a view to

turn my flanks. He probably will wait until winter, when the

ice will enable him to cross with the utmost facility to any

part between Fort Erie and as far as Long Point. My situation

will then depend upon the force the enemy may bring to invade

the province. Should the troops have to move, the want of

tents will be severely felt.

A person who left Sandwich yesterday week, pretends that the

enemy was then in the act of cannonading the place. I have not

heard from Lieut.-Colonel St. George since my last letter to

your excellency.

An officer is so absolutely necessary to command in the

eastern district, that I have consented to Major-General Shaw

proceeding thither in that capacity. I have full confidence in

his judgment, and his conduct in the field is undoubted. He of

course will assume the command in virtue of his militia rank,

and will be liable to be superseded by any lieutenant-colonel

your excellency may be pleased to appoint.

The expense of defending this province will unquestionably be

great; upon a rough calculation, and supposing that 4,000

militia be constantly embodied, it cannot be estimated at less

than £140,000 per annum. However great the sum, it will be

applied to very considerable advantage, provided your

excellency be enabled to send reinforcements, as without them

it is scarcely possible that the government of the United

States will be so inactive or supine as to permit the present

limited force to remain in possession of the country. Whatever

can be done to preserve it, or to delay its fall, your

excellency may rest assured will be exerted.

Having been suddenly called away from York, I had not time to

close my dispatch, giving your excellency an account of my

proceedings during my stay at Amherstburg. I now have the

honor to forward two documents, detailing the steps taken by

the Indian department to prevail on that unfortunate people to

accommodate their differences with the American government.

_Extract from an American Newspaper_.

BUFFALO, July 14, 1812.

Major-General Brock is at present at Newark, superintending

the various defences on the river. He is stated to be an able

and experienced officer, with undoubted courage. He came from

Little York soon after hearing the declaration of war, and, it

was believed, with a serious intention of attacking Fort

Niagara, but, contrary to what has been reported, he made no

demand of a surrender.

Expecting a descent from the American army, the Canadians

have, for ten days past, been removing their families and

effects from the river into the interior. At Newark,

Queenston, and other villages on the river, there are no

inhabitants except a few civilians and officers and soldiers.

It is even said, that an immense quantity of specie, plate,

&c, from various parts of the province, have been boxed up,

and destined for Quebec.

The British are understood to have about six or seven hundred

regular troops stationed between the lakes, from Fort George

to Fort Erie. These men are generally those who have "seen

service" in various parts of the world. The militia of the

province are ordered out _en masse_.

It is stated by gentlemen of intelligence at Lewistown, that

the government of Canada have in their employment, under pay,

about 250 Indians, armed complete: a part of them are mounted.

Brigadier-General William Wadsworth, from Genesee, commands

the troops on our frontiers. His aids are Major Adam Hoops and

Major W. H. Spencer. His head quarters are now at Lewistown.

It is impossible to state the precise number of troops under

his command, because the militia ordered on the lines are

returning, and the companies composing the regiments under his

command have not all arrived; but from what we learn, there

are in regular troops, volunteers, and detached militia, above

4,000 stationed at Rock, Lewistown, Youngstown, and Fort

Niagara. The troops are in excellent health, in good spirits,

and well supplied. They appear quite impatient for want of

employment. There has been some firing from the sentries on

both sides of the river.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 54: At this time, the British regular force in the Canadas

consisted of the 8th, 41st, 49th, and 100th regiments, a small

detachment of artillery, the 10th Royal Veteran Battalion, and the

Canadian, Newfoundland, and Glengary Fencibles; amounting, in the whole,

to 4,450 men. These were distributed along the different posts from the

telegraph station, about 250 miles below Quebec, to St. Joseph's, but so

unequally divided, that, in the Upper Province, whose front extends to

nearly 1,300, out of the 1,700 miles, there were but 1,450 men.--_James'

Military Occurrences_.]

[Footnote 55: In answer to Major-General Brock's suggestions on the

subject, see page 127.]

CHAPTER IX.

The American government, in anticipation of its declaration of war, had

detached from the state of Ohio to the Michigan territory an army of

about 2,500 men, under the command of Brigadier-General Hull, who, said

President Madison in his message to congress, "possessing discretionary

authority to act offensively, passed into Canada with a prospect of easy

and victorious progress." The enemy evidently confided in the very

limited defensive means of the Upper Province, and in the impossibility

of its receiving early assistance from the mother country. They relied

also on the supposed disaffection of many of its inhabitants, and they

expected confidently that, weak and divided, it would fall an easy prey

to the invaders; but they were soon undeceived. Having crossed over to

the Canadian village of Sandwich on the 12th July, Brigadier-General

Hull issued on that day the following insidious but able proclamation,

which was doubtless written at Washington. It will be seen that the

American general was made to say, that he did not ask the assistance of

the Canadians, as he had no doubt of eventual success, because he came

prepared for every contingency with a force which would look down all

opposition, and that that force was but the vanguard of a much greater!

Inhabitants of Canada!--After thirty years of peace and

prosperity, the United States have been driven to arms. The

injuries and aggressions, the insults and indignities of Great

Britain, have once more left them no alternative but manly

resistance or unconditional submission.

The army under my command has invaded your country, and the

standard of union now waves over the territory of Canada. To

the peaceable, unoffending inhabitant, it brings neither

danger nor difficulty. I come to _find_ enemies, not to _make_

them. I come to protect, not to injure you.

Separated by an immense ocean, and an extensive wilderness

from Great Britain, you have no participation in her councils,

no interest in her conduct. You have felt her tyranny, you

have seen her injustice--but I do not ask you to avenge the

one or redress the other. The United States are sufficiently

powerful to afford you every security, consistent with their

rights and your expectations. I tender you the invaluable

blessings of civil, political, and religious liberty, and

their necessary result, individual and general

prosperity--that liberty which gave decision to our councils

and energy to our conduct in our struggle for independence,

and which conducted us safely and triumphantly through the

stormy period of the revolution--that liberty which has raised

us to an elevated rank among the nations of the world, and

which has afforded us a greater measure of peace and security,

of wealth and improvement, than ever yet fell to the lot of

any people.

In the name of my country, and by the authority of my

government, I promise protection to your persons, property

and rights. Remain at your homes--pursue your peaceful and

customary avocations--raise not your hands against your

brethren. Many of your fathers fought for the freedom and

independence we now enjoy. Being children, therefore, of the

same family with us, and heirs to the same heritage, the

arrival of an army of friends must be hailed by you with a

cordial welcome. You will be emancipated from tyranny and

oppression, and restored to the dignified station of freemen.

Had I any doubt of eventual success, I might ask your

assistance; but I do not. I come prepared for every

contingency. I have a force which will look down all

opposition, and that force is but the vanguard of a much

greater. If, contrary to your own interests and the just

expectation of my country, you should take part in the

approaching contest, you will be considered and treated as

enemies, and the horrors and calamities of war will stalk

before you. If the barbarous and savage policy of Great

Britain be pursued, and the savages be let loose to murder our

citizens, and butcher our women and children, this war will be

a war of extermination. The first stroke of the tomahawk, the

first attempt with the scalping knife, will be the signal of

one indiscriminate scene of desolation. No white man, found

fighting by the side of an Indian, will be taken

prisoner--instant destruction will be his lot. If the dictates

of reason, duty, justice, and humanity, cannot prevent the

employment of a force which respects no rights and knows no

wrong, it will be prevented by a severe and relentless system

of retaliation.

I doubt not your courage and firmness--I will not doubt your

attachment to liberty. If you tender your services

voluntarily, they will be accepted readily. The United States

offer you peace, liberty, and security. Your choice lies

between these and war, slavery and destruction. Choose, then,

but choose wisely; and may He who knows the justice of our

cause, and who holds in his hand the fate of nations, guide

you to a result the most compatible with your rights and

interests, your peace and prosperity.

W. HULL.

By the General, A.F. HULL.

Capt. 13th Regt. U.S. Infantry, and

Aide-de-Camp.

Head Quarters,

Sandwich, July 12, 1812.

The following counter-proclamation was published by Major-General Brock,

"a proclamation as remarkable for the solid reasoning and dignity of its

language, as that of the American for its presumption."[56]

The unprovoked declaration of war by the United States of

America against the United Kingdom of Great Britain and

Ireland, and its dependencies, has been followed by the actual

invasion of this province, in a remote frontier of the western

district, by a detachment of the armed force of the United

States.

The officer commanding that detachment has thought proper to

invite his majesty's subjects, not merely to a quiet and

unresisting submission, but insults them with a cell to seek

voluntarily the protection of his government.

Without condescending to repeat the illiberal epithets

bestowed in this appeal of the American commander to the

people of Upper Canada, on the administration of his majesty,

every inhabitant of the province is desired to seek the

confutation of such indecent slander in the review of his own

particular circumstances. Where is the Canadian subject who

can truly affirm to himself that he has been injured by the

government, in his person, his property, or his liberty? Where

is to be found, in any part of the world, a growth so rapid in

prosperity and wealth, as this colony exhibits? Settled, not

thirty years, by a band of veterans, exiled from their former

possessions on account of their loyalty, not a descendant of

these brave people is to be found, who, under the fostering

liberality of their sovereign, has not acquired a property and

means of enjoyment superior to what were possessed by their

ancestors.

This unequalled prosperity would not have been attained by the

utmost liberality of the government, or the persevering

industry of the people, had not the maritime power of the

mother country secured to its colonists a safe access to every

market, where the produce of their labour was in request.

The unavoidable and immediate consequences of a separation

from Great Britain must be the loss of this inestimable

advantage; and what is offered you in exchange? To become a

territory of the United States, and share with them that

exclusion from the ocean which the policy of their government

enforces; you are not even flattered with a participation of

their boasted independence; and it is but too obvious that,

once estranged from the powerful protection of the United

Kingdom, you must be reannexed to the dominion of France, from

which the provinces of Canada were wrested by the arms of

Great Britain, at a vast expense of blood and treasure, from

no other motive than to relieve her ungrateful children from

the oppression of a cruel neighbour. This restitution of

Canada to the empire of France, was the stipulated reward for

the aid afforded to the revolted colonies, now the United

States; the debt is still due, and there can be no doubt but

the pledge has been renewed as a consideration for commercial

advantages, or rather for an expected relaxation in the

tyranny of France over the commercial world. Are you prepared,

inhabitants of Canada, to become willing subjects, or rather

slaves, to the despot who rules the nations of continental

Europe with a rod of iron? If not, arise in a body, exert your

energies, co-operate cordially with the king's regular forces

to repel the invader, and do not give cause to your children,

when groaning under the oppression of a foreign master, to

reproach you with having so easily parted with the richest

inheritance of this earth--a participation in the name,

character, and freedom of Britons!

The same spirit of justice, which will make every reasonable

allowance for the unsuccessful efforts of zeal and loyalty,

will not fail to punish the defalcation of principle. Every

Canadian freeholder is, by deliberate choice, bound by the

most solemn oaths to defend the monarchy, as well as his own

property; to shrink, from that engagement is a treason not to

be forgiven. Let no man suppose that if, in this unexpected

struggle, his majesty's arms should be compelled to yield to

an overwhelming force, the province will be eventually

abandoned; the endeared relations of its first settlers, the

intrinsic value of its commerce, and the pretensions of its

powerful rival to repossess the Canadas, are pledges that no

peace will be established between the United States and Great

Britain and Ireland, of which the restoration of these

provinces does not make the most prominent condition.

Be not dismayed at the unjustifiable threat of the commander

of the enemy's forces to refuse quarter, should an Indian

appear in the ranks. The brave bands of aborigines which

inhabit this colony were, like his majesty's other subjects,

punished for their zeal and fidelity, by the loss of their

possessions in the late colonies, and rewarded by his majesty

with lands of superior value in this province. The faith of

the British government has never yet been violated--the

Indians feel that the soil they inherit is to them and their

posterity protected from the base arts so frequently devised

to over-reach their simplicity. By what new principle are they

to be prohibited from defending their property? If their

warfare, from being different to that of the white people, be

more terrific to the enemy, let him retrace his steps--- they

seek him not--and cannot expect to find women and children in

an invading army. But they are men, and have equal rights

with all other men to defend themselves and their property

when invaded, more especially when they find in the enemy's

camp a ferocious and mortal foe, using the same warfare which

the American commander affects to reprobate.

This inconsistent and unjustifiable threat of refusing

quarter, for such a cause as being found in arms with a

brother sufferer, in defence of invaded rights, must be

exercised with the certain assurance of retaliation, not only

in the limited operations of war in this part of the king's

dominions, but in every quarter of the globe; for the national

character of Britain is not less distinguished for humanity

than strict retributive justice, which will consider the

execution of this inhuman threat as deliberate murder, for

which every subject of the offending power must make

expiation.

ISAAC BROCK,

Major-Gen, and President.

Head Quarters,

Fort George, July 22, 1812.

By order of his honor the president.

J.B. GLEGG,

Captain and Aide-de-Camp.

_Major-General Brock to Sir George Prevost_.

FORT GEORGE, July 20, 1812.

My last to your excellency was dated the 12th instant, since

which nothing extraordinary has occurred on this

communication. The enemy has evidently diminished his force,

and appears to have no intention of making an immediate

attack.

I have herewith the honor of enclosing the copy of two letters

which I have received from Lieut.-Colonel St. George, together

with some interesting documents found on board a schooner,

which the boats of the Hunter captured on her voyage from the

Miami to Detroit.

From the accompanying official correspondence between General

Hull and the secretary at war, it appears that the collected

force which has arrived at Detroit amounts to about 2,000 men.

I have requested Colonel Proctor to proceed to Amherstburg,

and ascertain accurately the state of things in that quarter.

I had every inclination to go there myself, but the meeting of

the legislature on the 27th instant renders it impossible.

I receive this moment a dispatch dated the 15th instant, from

Lieut.-Colonel St. George, giving an account of the enemy

having landed on the 12th and immediately after occupied the

village of Sandwich. It is strange that three days should be

allowed to elapse before sending to acquaint me of this

important fact. I had no idea, until I received Lieut.-Colonel

St. George's letter a few days ago that General Hull was

advancing with so large a force.

The militia, from every account, behaved very ill. The

officers appear the most in fault. Colonel Proctor will

probably reach Amherstburg in the course of to-morrow. I have

great dependence in that officer's decision, but fear he will

arrive too late to be of much service. The enemy was not

likely to delay attacking a force that had allowed him to

cross the river in open day without firing a shot.

The position which Lieut.-Colonel St. George occupied is very

good, and infinitely more formidable than the fort itself.

Should he therefore be compelled to retire, I know of no other

alternative than his embarking in the king's vessels and

proceeding to Fort Erie.

Were it possible to animate the militia to a proper sense of

their duty, something might yet be done--but I almost despair.

Your excellency will readily perceive the critical situation

in which the reduction of Amherstburg will place me.

I do not imagine General Hull will be able to detach more than

I,000 men, but even with that trifling force I much fear he

will succeed in getting to my rear. The militia will not act

without a strong regular force to set them the example; and as

I must now expect to be seriously threatened, I cannot in

prudence make strong detachments, which would not only weaken

my line of defence, but, in the event of a retreat, endanger

their safety.

I am now given to understand that General Hull's insidious

proclamation, herewith enclosed, has already been productive

of considerable effect on the minds of the people. In fact, a

general sentiment prevails, that with the present force

resistance is unavailing. I shall continue to exert myself to

the utmost to overcome every difficulty. Should, however, the

communication between Kingston and Montreal be cut off, the

fate of the troops in this part of the province will be

decided. I now express my apprehensions on a supposition that

the slender means your excellency possesses will not admit of

diminution; consequently, that I need not look for

reinforcements. It is evidently not the intention of the enemy

to make any attempt to penetrate into the province by this

strait, unless the present force be diminished. He seems much

more inclined to work on the flanks, aware that if he succeed

every other part must very soon submit.

My last official communication from the Lower Province is

dated the 25th ultimo, when the adjutant-general announced the

receipt of intelligence, by a mercantile house, of war being

declared by the United States against Great Britain.

_Major-General Sir Thomas Saumarez, Kt.,[57] to Major-General Brock._

HALIFAX, July 22, 1812.

Being this moment informed that an express is to be dispatched

immediately from hence to Quebec, I have great pleasure in

having an opportunity to inquire after your health and

welfare, and to acquaint you that your relation, Lady

Saumarez, and myself, arrived here about a month since. I

assure you we consider ourselves particularly fortunate in not

having fallen into the enemy's bands, as the Americans had

declared war a week before we reached this. We came out in a

very valuable ordnance store ship, which would have been a

great acquisition to the enemy, at the breaking out of a war

especially; and the loss to us would have been seriously felt

here, as all the stores on board were very much required.

Another ship with naval stores accompanied us; they were much

wanted by our squadron, and possibly as much so by the ships

of the enemy. Our squadron on this station has been very

active. Prizes arrive here daily, I could almost say hourly.

The Emulous brig brought in ten yesterday, and 30,000 dollars

were found on board some of them. Mr. Foster, late ambassador

to the American States, has been here nearly a week; he is to

sail for England to-day. According to the best information we

can obtain here, the Northern and Eastern States of America

are extremely inimical to, and dissatisfied with, the war; so

much so, that there is reason to suppose they will dissolve

the Union shortly, and declare themselves totally independent

of the Southern and Western States.

The American privateers are extremely numerous and daring in

this neighbourhood; and, I am sorry to add, they have proved

but too successful, having captured several of our vessels

bound to Quebec and New Brunswick, and some to this port. I

received a note about an hour ago from Lieut.-Colonel Pearson,

who sailed from hence last Sunday, with his wife and family,

for Quebec, being appointed inspecting field officer in

Canada, to inform me that he had been made prisoner by an

American privateer. Most of our ships are looking out for the

squadron the Americans have at sea, under Commodore Rodgers,

who is supposed to have sailed from New York with a view to

intercept our West India fleet homeward bound.

We are as busy here as possible in placing all our outposts in

the best state of defence. I suppose you are not less so.

A transport, with 140 men of the Royals, from the West Indies

to Quebec, was boarded by the Essex American frigate about ten

days ago, and permitted to proceed, on condition that the

master of the vessel promised to pay a ransom of 12,000

dollars for her; and that the officer commanding considered

himself on parole, and gave his assurance that the troops

would not fight against the Americans during the war. The

transport arrived here yesterday, and the remainder of the

battalion is supposed to have reached Quebec.

You have probably heard of the many improvements in our little

island. An excellent road was finished from town to Vazon Bay,

and from Fort George to Rocquaine; also one from town to

Lancresse. The Braye du Valle is now under a state of

cultivation. Roads of communication were nearly finished; one

of them from what is called the Long Store passes Amherst

Barracks and my house, and joins the great road to the Forest

and St. Martin's: the opening of all these have discovered

many beautiful views, which we did not know the island

possessed.

If there should be any thing I can do for you or my nephew

James Brock, I beg that you will afford me the pleasure of

executing your commissions. I have not time to add more, but

to assure you both of Lady S.'s and my best wishes and

regards.

_Major-General Brock to Sir George Prevost_.

FORT GEORGE, July 25, 1812.

Since my dispatch to your excellency of the 20th instant, I

have received information of the enemy having made frequent

and extensive inroads from Sandwich up the river Thames. I

have in consequence been induced to detach Capt. Chambers with

about 50 of the 41st regiment to the Moravian town, where I

have directed 200 militia to join him. From the loud and

apparently warm professions of the Indians residing on the

Grand River, I made no doubt of finding at all times a large

majority ready to take the field and act in conjunction with

our troops; but accounts received this morning state that they

have determined to remain neutral, and they had consequently

refused, with the exception of about fifty, to join Captain

Chambers' detachment.

I meditated a diversion to the westward, the moment I could

collect a sufficient number of militia, in the hope of

compelling General Hull to retreat across the river; but this

unexpected intelligence has ruined the whole of my plans. The

militia, which I destined for this service, will now be

alarmed, and unwilling to leave their families to the mercy

of 400 Indians, whose conduct affords such wide room for

suspicion; and really to expect that this fickle race will

remain in a state of neutrality in the midst of war, would be

truly absurd. The Indians have probably been led to this

change of sentiment by emissaries from General Hull, whose

proclamation to the Six Nations is herewith enclosed.

I have not deemed it of sufficient consequence to commence

active operations on this line, by an attack on Fort Niagara.

It can be demolished, when found necessary, in half an hour,

and there my means of annoyance would terminate. To enable the

militia to acquire some degree of discipline without

interruption, is of far greater consequence than such a

conquest. Every thing in my power shall be done to overcome

the difficulties by which I am surrounded; but without strong

reinforcements, I fear the country cannot be roused to make

exertions equal to meet this crisis.

I proceed immediately to York, to attend the meeting of the

legislature, and I hope to return on Wednesday. The charge of

this frontier will in the mean time devolve on Lieut.-Colonel

Myers, who appears worthy of every confidence. The actual

invasion of the province has compelled me to recall that

portion of the militia whom I permitted to return home and

work at harvest. I am prepared to hear of much discontent in

consequence; the disaffected will take advantage of it, and

add fuel to the flame. But it may not be without reason that

I may be accused of having already studied their convenience

and humour, to the injury of the service.

I should have derived much consolation in the midst of my

present difficulties had I been honored, previously to the

meeting of the legislature, with your excellency's

determination in regard to this province. That it cannot be

maintained with its present force is very obvious; and unless

the enemy be driven from Sandwich, it will be impossible to

avert much longer the impending ruin of the country. Numbers

have already joined the invading army; commotions are excited;

and the late occurrences at Sandwich have spread a general

gloom. I have not heard from Lieut.-Colonel St. George, or

from any individual at Amherstburg, since I last had the honor

of addressing your excellency, which makes me apprehensive

that Colonel Proctor has been detained on his journey too long

for the good of the service.

The enemy's cavalry, amounting to about fifty, are led by one

Watson, a surveyor from Montreal of a desperate character.

This fellow has been allowed to parade with about twenty men

of the same description as far as Westminster, vowing as they

went along the most bitter vengeance against the first

characters in the province. Nothing can shew more strongly the

state of apathy which exists in most parts of the country; but

I am perhaps too liberal in attributing the conduct of the

inhabitants to that cause.

Mr. Couche has represented to the head of his department the

total impracticability of carrying on the public service

without a remittance of specie, or a government paper

substitute. He was in expectation of making arrangements with

some individuals that would have enabled him to proceed, but I

much fear that the whole project has fallen to the ground. The

militia on this communication were so clamorous for their pay,

that I directed Mr. Couche to make the necessary advances, and

this has drained him of the little specie in his possession.

My present civil office not only authorizes me to convene

general courts martial for the trial of offenders belonging to

the militia, but likewise the infliction of the sentence of

death; whilst, in regard to the military, my power is limited

to the mere assembling of the court. I beg leave to submit to

the consideration of your excellency, whether in times like

the present I ought not to be invested with equal authority

over each service.

I herewith have the honor to transmit two letters, one from

Captain Roberts, commanding at St. Joseph's, and the second

from Mr. Dickson, a gentleman every way capable of forming a

correct judgment of the actual state of the Indians. Nothing

can be more deplorable than his description; yet the United

States government accuse Great Britain of instigating that

people to war. Is not the true cause to be found in the state

of desperation to which they are reduced by the unfriendly

and unjust measures of that government towards them?

* * * * *

On the 27th of July, Major-General Brock returned to York from Fort

George, on which day, accompanied by a numerous suite, he opened the

extra session of the legislature, and delivered the following speeches.

Honorable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, and Gentlemen

of the House of Assembly,

The urgency of the present crisis is the only consideration

which could have induced me to call you together at a time

when public, as well as private duties elsewhere, demand your

care and attention.

But, gentlemen, when invaded by an enemy whose avowed object

is the entire conquest of the province, the voice of loyalty,

as well as of interest, calls aloud to every person in the

sphere in which he is placed to defend his country.

Our militia have heard that voice, and have obeyed it; they

have evinced, by the promptitude and loyalty of their conduct,

that they are worthy of the king whom they serve, and of the

constitution which they enjoy; and it affords me particular

satisfaction, that while I address you as legislators, I speak

to men who, in the day of danger, will be ready to assist, not

only with their counsel, but with their arms.

We look, gentlemen, to our militia, as well as to the regular

forces, for our protection; but I should be wanting to that

important trust committed to my care, if I attempted to

conceal (what experience, the great instructor of mankind, and

especially of legislators, has discovered,) that amendment is

necessary in our militia laws to render them efficient.

It is for you to consider what further improvements they

still may require.

Honorable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, and Gentlemen

of the House of Assembly,

From the history and experience of our mother country, we

learn that in times of actual invasion or internal commotion,

the ordinary course of criminal law has been found inadequate

to secure his majesty's government from private treachery as

well as from open disaffection; and that at such times its

legislature has found it expedient to enact laws restraining

for a limited period the liberty of individuals, in many cases

where it would be dangerous to expose the particulars of the

charge; and although the actual invasion of the province might

justify me in the exercise of the full powers reposed in me on

such an emergency, yet it will be more agreeable to me to

receive the sanction of the two houses.

A few traitors have already joined the enemy, have been

suffered to come into the country with impunity, and have been

harboured and concealed in the interior; yet the general

spirit of loyalty which appears to pervade the inhabitants of

this province, is such as to authorize a just expectation that

their efforts to mislead and deceive will be unavailing. The

disaffected, I am convinced, are few--to protect and defend

the loyal inhabitants from their machinations, is an object

worthy of your most serious deliberation.

Gentlemen of the House of Assembly,

I have directed the public accounts of the province to be laid

before you, in as complete a state as this unusual period will

admit; they will afford you the means of ascertaining to what

extent you can aid in providing for the extraordinary demands

occasioned by the employment of the militia, and I doubt not

but to that extent you will cheerfully contribute.

Honorable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, and Gentlemen

of the House of Assembly,

We are engaged in an awful and eventful contest. By unanimity

and dispatch in our councils, and by vigour in our operations,

we may teach the enemy this lesson, that a country defended by

_free men_ enthusiastically devoted to the cause of their king

and constitution, can never be conquered!

The invasion of the western district by Brigadier-General

Hull, and the artful and threatening language of his

proclamation, were productive at the outset of very

unfavourable effects among a large portion of the inhabitants

of Upper Canada; and so general was the despondency, that the

Norfolk militia, consisting, we believe, chiefly of settlers

of American origin, peremptorily refused to march. The

majority of the members of the house of assembly were

impressed with the same gloomy forebodings, and that body

appeared by its proceedings rather to court the favor of the

enemy than fearlessly to perform its duty. It was therefore

prorogued upon passing the money bills, as no advantage could

result from its remaining longer in session. The state of the

province required the most prompt and decisive measures for

its preservation, and Major-General Brock considered its

situation at this moment as extremely critical. With the

concurrence of his council, to whom he represented his many

difficulties, he is said to have resolved on exercising

martial law whenever he should find it necessary, although the

house of assembly had rejected its enactment, even in a

modified form. Not only among the militia was a disposition

evinced to submit tamely, but five hundred in the western

district sought the protection of the enemy. It is true that

the people then were far removed from the seat of government,

and the more subject to hostile influence, as they were

principally composed of French Canadians and of the natives of

the United States, or their immediate descendants; but even

the Indians, who were located on the Grand River, in the heart

of the province, positively refused, with a few exceptions, to

take up arms; and they announced their intention, after the

return of some of their chiefs from General Hull, to remain

neutral, as if they wished the authorities to believe that

they would remain in peace in the midst of war. Major-General

Brock had not long administered the government of the

province, but where he was individually known, and where his

personal influence extended, a better feeling prevailed; and

his counter-proclamation served not only to animate the well

disposed, but to counteract the machinations of the

disaffected. The confident tone of his address to the

provincial parliament was also productive of the best effects,

whatever inward misgivings he might feel; and those who were

dastardly enough to join the invaders of their native or

adopted country, were quickly taught to repent of their

baseness and treason.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 56: Christie's Memoirs, already cited at page 90.]

[Footnote 57: General Sir Thomas Saumarez, now in his 85th year, and

brother of the late Admiral Lord de Saumarez.]

CHAPTER X.