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The Life and Correspondence of Sir Isaac Brock, K.B.

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Title: The Life and Correspondence of Sir Isaac Brock, K.B.

Author: Sir Isaac Brock

Editor: Ferdinand Brock Tupper


        
Release date: December 23, 2004 [eBook #14428]
                Most recently updated: October 28, 2024

Language: English

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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF SIR ISAAC BROCK, K.B. ***

THE LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE

OF MAJOR-GENERAL SIR ISAAC BROCK, K.B.

INTERSPERSED WITH NOTICES OF THE CELEBRATED INDIAN CHIEF, TECUMSEH;

AND COMPRISING

BRIEF MEMOIRS OF DANIEL DE LISLE BROCK, ESQ.; LIEUTENANT E.W. TUPPER,
R.N., AND COLONEL W. DE VIC TUPPER,

    "What booteth it to have been rich alive?
    What to be great? What to be glorious?
    If after death no token doth survive
    Of former being in this mortal house,
    But sleeps in dust, dead and inglorious!"

                 SPENCER'S "Ruins of Time."

EDITED BY HIS NEPHEW,

FERDINAND BROCK TUPPER, ESQ.

    _LONDON_: SIMPKIN, MARSHALL & Co.
    _GUERNSEY_: H. REDSTONE.

    1845.




PREFACE.


In the early part of last year, a box of manuscripts and the trunks
belonging to Sir Isaac Brock, which had remained locked and unexamined
for nearly thirty years, were at length opened, as the general's last
surviving brother, Savery, in whose possession they had remained during
that period, was then, from disease of the brain, unconscious of passing
events. With that sensibility which shrinks from the sight of objects
that remind us of a much-loved departed relative or friend, he had
allowed the contents to remain untouched; and when they saw the light,
the general's uniforms, including the one in which he fell, were much
moth-eaten, but the manuscripts were happily uninjured. On the return of
the Editor from South America in May last, he for the first time learnt
the existence of these effects; and a few weeks after, having hastily
perused and assorted the letters and other papers, he decided on their
publication. Whether this decision was wise, the reader must determine.
If, on the one hand, part of their interest be lost in the lapse of
years; on the other, they, and the comments they have elicited, can now
be published with less risk of wounding private feelings.

It has been the Editor's study to avoid all unnecessary remarks on the
letters in this volume, so as to allow the writers to speak for
themselves. But he has deemed it a sacred obligation due to the memory
of Sir Isaac Brock, to withhold nothing descriptive of his energetic
views and intentions, and of the obstacles he experienced in the
vigorous prosecution of the contest--obstacles which his gallant spirit
could not brook, and which necessarily exposed "his valuable life" much
more than it would have been in offensive operations.[1] He regrets,
however, that in the performance of this duty, he must necessarily give
pain to the relatives of the late Sir George Prevost, of whose military
government in Canada he would much rather have written in praise than in
censure.

Brief memoirs are inserted, at the conclusion of the Appendix, of one of
Sir Isaac Brock's brothers, the bailiff or chief magistrate of Guernsey,
and of two of their nephews, Lieutenant E.W. Tupper, R.N., and Colonel
W. De Vic Tupper, of the Chilian service. The premature fate of these
two promising young officers is, to those who knew them best, still a
source of unceasing regret and of embittering remembrance.

The notices of the celebrated Tecumseh interspersed throughout the
volume, and the connected sketch of him near its close, can scarcely
fail to interest the reader; that sketch is drawn from various and
apparently authentic sources, and the Editor believes that it is more
copious than any which has yet appeared of this distinguished Indian
chief. A perusal will perhaps awaken sympathy in behalf of a
much-injured people; it may also tend to remove the films of national
prejudice, and prove that virtue and courage are not confined to any
particular station or country, but that they may exist as well in the
wilds of the forest, as in the cultivated regions of civilization.

GUERNSEY, January 15, 1845.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 1: See pages 275-280, 298, 304, 305, 315-317.]




CONTENTS.


CHAPTER I.

    Parentage and birth--Boyhood--Enters the King's
    Regiment--Trait of determination of character--Becomes
    Lieutenant-Colonel of the 49th--Campaign in Holland, in
    1799--Russian troops in Guernsey--Battle of Copenhagen, in
    1801--Notice of John Savery Brock, Esq.


CHAPTER II.

    Proceeds to Canada with the 49th--Suppresses a mutiny at Fort
    George--Returns to Europe, and recommends the formation of a
    Veteran Battalion for Upper Canada--Re-embarks for Canada, and
    succeeds Colonel Bowes in command of the troops there--Letters
    to Lieut.-Colonel Gordon, Right Hon. W. Windham, the
    Adjutant-General, Mr. President Dunn, and to Lord
    Castlereagh--Arrival of Sir James Craig


CHAPTER III.

    Is made a Brigadier--Letters to his family--Proceeds to Upper
    Canada--Letters from Colonels Baynes and
    Thornton--Lieut.-Colonel Murray--Baroness de Rottenburg


CHAPTER IV.

    Letters to and from Lieut.-Governor Gore--from Colonels Kempt
    and Baynes--to Sir James Craig and Major Taylor--from Colonel
    Vesey--P. Carey Tupper, Esq.


CHAPTER V.

    Is made a Major-General--Sir James Craig returns to England;
    his character and administration--Letters from Major-General
    Vesey and Colonel Baynes--Duke of Manchester--Arrival of Sir
    George Prevost--Letters from Lieut.-General Drummond and
    Lieut.-Colonel Torrens--to and from Sir George Prevost


CHAPTER VI.

    Origin of the American war--Letters to and from Sir G. Prevost
    and Colonel Baynes--Meeting of the Legislature--Letter to
    Colonel Baynes relative to Detroit and Michilimakinack,
    &c.--Letters to Lieut.-Colonel Nichol--from Sir James
    Saumarez, Major-General Le Couteur, and Sir John Dumaresq


CHAPTER VII.

    Description of the boundaries, military posts, and lakes of
    Upper Canada--of the Michigan territory, Detroit, and
    Michilimakinack


CHAPTER VIII.

    War declared--Major-General Brock's proceedings--Force under
    his command--Letters from Colonel Baynes, and to and from Sir
    George Prevost--American newspaper.


CHAPTER IX.

    General Hull invades Upper Canada--His proclamation, and that
    of Major-General Brock in reply--Letters to Sir G. Prevost and
    from Sir T. Saumarez--Meeting of the Legislature--Critical
    state of the Province


CHAPTER X.

    Capture of Michilimakinack--Letters to and from Sir G.
    Prevost, from Colonels Baynes and Bruyeres


CHAPTER XI.

    Occurrences in the Western District--Tecumseh--Major-General
    Brock proceeds to Amherstburg--Voyage described--General
    Order--Indians, and notice of Tecumseh--Summons to General
    Hull, and his answer--Surrender of Detroit, and its
    consequences--Anecdotes of Tecumseh--Country about
    Detroit--Indian war in 1763.


CHAPTER XII.

    Letters relative to Detroit, to and from Sir G. Prevost, to
    Earl Bathurst, from W.D. Powell, Esq., Chief Justice Sewell,
    General Maitland, Major-General Burnet, from Major-General
    Brock to his brothers, and from Lieut.-Colonel Nichol--General
    Hull's reception at Montreal


CHAPTER XIII.

    Major-General Brock returus to the Niagara
    frontier--Armistice--Proposed attack on Sackett's Harbour
    prevented--Letters to and from Sir G. Prevost and
    Major-General Van Rensselaer--from Colonel Baynes--to Colonel
    Proctor and to J.S. Brock--Wrongs of the Indians, and speech
    of Tecumseh


CHAPTER XIV.

    Rival forces on the Niagara frontier--Capture of brigs Detroit
    and Caledonia--Letters to Sir G. Prevost and Colonel
    Proctor--Battle of Queenstown, and death of Sir Isaac Brock,
    with remarks on his funeral and character--Description of
    Queenstown Heights, &c


CHAPTER XV.

    Sir R. Sheaffe and armistice--Further remarks on Sir Isaac
    Brock--Americans obtain the command of Lake Ontario--Capture
    of York--Attack on Sackett's Harbour--Colonel Proctor's
    proceedings near Detroit--Defeat of British squadron on Lake
    Erie--Retreat and surrender of Major-General Proctor's
    army--Capture of Fort George, and surprise of the American
    troops at Stoney Creek--Attack on Michilimakinack--23 British
    deserters--Peace--Sir G. Prevost's death and
    character--Inscription on monument to--Colonel
    Tupper--Connected notice of Tecumseh


CHAPTER XVI.

    Servant--Letters from the Duke of York--J. Savery and Irving
    Brock, Esqrs. and Mrs. Eliot--Introduction of four Indian
    chiefs to George the Fourth, at Windsor--Destruction of
    Monument, and "gathering" on Queenstown Heights--Intended
    obelisk--Notice of Sir Isaac Brock's brothers, sisters, and
    nephews


APPENDIX A.

SECTION I.--BRITISH AUTHORS.

    1. Letter from Lord Aylmer--2. Dispatch from Captain
    Roberts--3. Extracts from Letters of Veritas--4. Sir G.
    Prevost's general order--5. Brief extracts from various
    authors--6. Council of condolence--7. Monument in St. Paul's
    cathedral--8. A Huron chief's surprise on seeing this
    monument--9. Address of the Commons of Upper Canada to the
    Prince Regent--10. Re-interment described--11. Dickens'
    American notes

SECTION II.--AMERICAN AUTHORS.

    1. Jefferson's correspondence--General Hull's revolutionary
    services--Letter from Captain Wool--Battle of
    Queenstown--Hull's army at Detroit


APPENDIX B.

    Daniel De lisle Brock, Esq


APPENDIX C.

    Lieutenant E. William Tupper, R.N.


APPENDIX D.

    Colonel W. De Vic Tupper, Chilian service

      *      *      *      *      *




CHAPTER I.


The Guernsey family of BROCK is probably of English origin, but we have
been unable to ascertain the period of its first establishment in the
island. The parochial register of St. Peter-Port extends only to the
year 1563, soon after which time it contains the name of Philip Brock.
By "Robson's Armorial Bearings of the Nobility and Gentry of Great
Britain and Ireland," eight families of the name of Brock appear to bear
different arms, one of which was borne by all the Brocks of
Guernsey--viz. azure, a fleur de lis or, on a chief argent a lion pass.
guard. gu.--crest, an escallop or[2]--until the death of Sir Isaac
Brock, when new and honorary armorial bearings were granted by the
sovereign to his family. Brock is the ancient Saxon name for badger,
and as such is still retained in English dictionaries. Froissart,[3] in
his Chronicles, makes mention of Sir Hugh Brock, an English knight,
keeper of the castle of Derval, in Brittany, for his cousin Sir Robert
Knolles, who was governor of all the duchy, and resided in Brest, during
the absence of the duke in England. The French overran Brittany at this
period, and leaving 2,000 men near Brest, so as to prevent its receiving
succours, sat down with "great engines" before the castle of Derval, to
the siege of which came the constable of France, the Duke of Bourbon,
the Earls of Alençon and of Perche, and a great number of the barony and
chivalry of France. The castle being sore oppressed, Sir Hugh Brock was
at length constrained to agree to surrender it at the end of two months,
if not relieved by that time. Sir Robert Knolles, hearing this, also
began to treat with the French; and while at the head of 30,000 men, he
was afterwards defeated by Bertrand du Guesclin. These events occurred
in the reign of Edward the Third, about the middle of the fourteenth
century, when the English were driven out of France; and as Guernsey is
in the direct course between Brittany and England, may not one of Sir
Hugh Brock's family, on his passage across the Channel, have visited the
island and settled there?

The common ancestor of the present Guernsey family of the name of Brock
was William Brock, Esq., a native of the island, who died in the year
1776, and was the grandfather of the subject of this volume. He had
three sons and one daughter, who became connected by marriage with some
of the principal and most ancient families of Guernsey; namely, William,
married to Judith, daughter of James De Beauvoir, Esq.;[4] John, married
to Elizabeth De Lisle, daughter of the then lieutenant-bailiff of the
island; Henry, married to Susan Saumarez, sister of the late Admiral
Lord de Saumarez; and Mary, wife of John Le Marchant, Esq[5]

John Brock, Esq., born January 24, 1729, second son of the above-named
William, had by his wife, Elizabeth De Lisle, a very numerous family of
ten sons and four daughters, of whom eight sons and two daughters
reached maturity. He died in June, 1777, at Dinan, in Brittany, whither
he had gone for the benefit of the waters, at the early age of
forty-eight years.[6] In his youth he was a midshipman in the navy, and
in that capacity had made a voyage to India, which was then considered a
great undertaking. As he was possessed of much activity of mind and
considerable talent, his death was an irreparable loss to his children,
who were of an age to require all the care and counsels of a father; the
eldest, John, having only completed his seventeenth year. They were left
in independent, if not in affluent, circumstances; but the fond
indulgence of a widowed mother, who could deny them no enjoyment,
tended, notwithstanding their long minority, to diminish their
patrimony.

Isaac Brock, the eighth son, was born in the parish of St. Peter-Port,
Guernsey, on the 6th of October, 1769, the year which gave birth to
Napoleon and Wellington. In his boyhood he was, like his brothers,
unusually tall, robust, and precocious, and, with an appearance much
beyond his age, remarkable chiefly for extreme gentleness. In his
eleventh year he was sent to school at Southampton, and his education
was concluded by his being placed for a twelvemonth under a French
Protestant clergyman at Rotterdam, for the purpose of learning the
French language. His eldest brother, John, a lieutenant in the 8th, the
King's, regiment, being promoted to a company by purchase, Isaac
succeeded, also by purchase, to the ensigncy which consequently became
vacant in that regiment, and to which he was appointed on the 2d of
March, 1785, soon after he had completed his fifteenth year. He joined
in England, and was quartered there in different places for a few years.
Having entered the army at so early an age, he happily felt sensible of
his deficiencies of education, and for a long period he devoted his
leisure mornings to study, locking the door of his room until one
o'clock, to prevent intrusion. In 1790 he was promoted to a
lieutenantcy, and was quartered in Guernsey and Jersey. At the close of
that year he obtained an independent company, by raising the requisite
number of men to complete it, and was put on half pay. He exchanged soon
after, by giving the difference, into the 49th, which regiment he joined
at Barbadoes, in 1791, and he remained doing duty there, and afterwards
at Jamaica, until 1793, when he was compelled to return very suddenly to
England on sick leave, having nearly fallen a victim to the pestilential
effects of the climate, and an immediate embarkation being pronounced
his only chance of recovery. His first cousin, Lieutenant Henry Brock,
of the 13th foot, who was ill at the same time at Jamaica, died of the
fever; and the survivor always thought that he was indebted for his life
to the affectionate attentions of his servant, Dobson, whom he
subsequently ever treated with the kindness of a brother, until he died
in his service shortly before himself, in Canada. The mention of the
following trait of great determination of character may serve as a guide
to other young officers, similarly circumstanced. When Captain Brock
joined the 49th, the peace of the regiment was disturbed by one of those
vile pests of society--a confirmed duellist. Captain Brock soon proved
to his brother captain, who took advantage of being a dead shot, that he
was neither to be bullied nor intimidated, and the consequence was a
challenge from the latter, which was promptly accepted. On the ground,
Captain Brock, who was very tall and athletic, observed that to stand at
twelve paces was not to meet his antagonist on any thing like equal
terms, and, producing a handkerchief, insisted on firing across it. This
the duellist positively declined, and being in consequence soon after
compelled to leave the regiment, the officers were thus relieved, by the
firm and resolute conduct of a very young man, of the presence of one
with whom all social intercourse had previously been difficult and
dangerous. On his return from Jamaica, Captain Brock was employed on the
recruiting service in England, and afterwards in charge of a number of
recruits at Jersey. On the 24th June, 1795, he purchased his majority,
and remained in command of the recruits until the return of the regiment
to England the following year. On the 25th of October, 1797, just after
he had completed his twenty-eighth year, Major Brock purchased his
lieutenant-colonelcy, and soon after became senior lieut.-colonel of the
49th. This was very rapid promotion for one who had not only entered the
army during a period of profound peace, but had been five years an
ensign, and, having no interest excepting that which his own merit might
have procured him, he was generally considered at that time as one of
the most fortunate officers in the service. In a little more than seven
years, he had risen from an ensign to be a lieut.-colonel. Owing to
gross mismanagement and peculation on the part of his predecessor, who
was in consequence recommended privately to sell out, if he did not wish
to stand the ordeal of a court martial, the regiment was sadly
disorganized; but the commander in chief, the late Duke of York, was
heard to declare that Lieut.-Colonel Brock, from one of the worst, had
made the 49th one of the best regiments in the service.

In 1798, the 49th was quartered in Jersey, whence it proceeded, to
England early the following year, to take part in the projected
expedition to Holland, as in 1799 the British Government determined on
sending a strong military force to that country, then in alliance with
the French republic, which force was to be joined by a Russian army. The
first English division, consisting of twelve battalions of infantry,
among which was the 49th, and a small body of cavalry, assembled at
Southampton under Sir Ralph Abercromby, and, having embarked, finally
sailed from the Downs early in August. On the 26th of that month, the
fleet, consisting of fifteen ships of the line, from forty-five to fifty
frigates, sloops, and smaller vessels of war, and about one hundred and
thirty sail of transports, anchored along the coast of North Holland,
from the mouth of the Texel as far as Calants-Oge. Early the next
morning, the flank companies were landed, under the protection of the
guns of the fleet. An engagement commenced as the British were about to
march forward; but being continually reinforced by the arrival of fresh
troops, they compelled the enemy to retreat. This warm engagement lasted
till four o'clock in the afternoon, and cost the British about 1,000
men. Sir Ralph Abercromby, having become master of the point, or
peninsula, of the Helder, completed his landing, entrenched his advanced
posts toward the right, and occupied with his left the point of the
Helder, and the batteries there which had been evacuated. In these
positions he awaited the arrival of the second division, under the Duke
of York, the commander-in-chief, which remained in England until news
were received of the landing of the first on the coast of Holland. These
two divisions were composed of thirty battalions of infantry, of 600 men
each, 500 cavalry, and a fine train of artillery.[7] During this
campaign, Lieut.-Colonel Brock distinguished himself in command of his
regiment, which, on the 2d of October, in the battle of Egmont-op-Zee,
or Bergen, had Captain Archer and Ensign Ginn killed; and Major
Hutchinson, Captains Sharp and Robins, Lieutenant Urquhart and Ensign
Hill, wounded; Lieutenant Johnston missing, and supposed to be killed,
exclusive of nearly one hundred non-commissioned officers and privates
killed and wounded.[8] In this action, Lieut.-Colonel Brock was slightly
wounded, although his name does not appear in the returns; and his life
was in all probability preserved by his wearing, as the weather was very
cold, a stout cotton handkerchief over a thick black silk cravat, both
of which were perforated by a bullet, and which prevented its entering
his neck: the violence of the blow was, however, so great, as to stun
and dismount him. The following letter contains some interesting
particulars relative to this campaign, and the part taken in it by the
49th.


_Lieutenant-Colonel Brock, 49th regiment, to his brother, brevet
Lieutenant-Colonel John Brock, 81st regiment, at the Cape of Good Hope_.

    "LONDON, November 26, 1799.

    "I was pretty constant in my correspondence with you whilst the
    regiment was quartered at Portsmouth, and no opportunity
    offered from thence direct to the Cape without taking letters
    and newspapers from either Savery or myself, and often from
    both; but the very active and busy life I have passed since put
    an end to all such communications. Knowing, however, that you
    will be gratified in hearing from my own pen the various
    incidents which have occurred since that time, I proceed to
    give you the substance of them. You will have seen in the
    public prints that the 49th embarked among the first regiments
    under Sir Ralph Abercromby, and that the army, amounting to
    about 10,000 men, after beating the seas from the 8th to the
    27th of August, effected a landing near the Helder; that the
    enemy most unaccountably offered no opposition to our landing;
    and that, after a well-contested fight of ten hours, he
    retreated, and left us in quiet possession of the Heights,
    extending the whole length of the Peninsula. The 4th Brigade,
    under General Moore,[9] consisting of the Royals, 25th, 49th,
    79th, and 92d, landed to the left, where the greatest
    opposition was expected, as it was natural to suppose that so
    essential an object as the Helder would be defended to the
    last, but, to our utter astonishment, the enemy gave us no
    annoyance; on the contrary, soon after the affair on the right
    had terminated, he evacuated the town, which we took quiet
    possession of the following morning, and with it the whole of
    the fleet. The garrison, consisting of 1,600 men, could easily
    have been intercepted had it not been for a large body of
    cavalry and a number of cannon, which completely commanded a
    plain of a mile and a half in breadth, necessary to be crossed
    to get to them: as we had neither the one nor the other, it
    would have been the height of folly to attempt it. The
    regiments which distinguished themselves most on this occasion
    were the 23d, 27th, and 55th. The evening of our landing, a
    reinforcement of 5,000 men arrived, but could not disembark
    until two days after, owing to the badness of the weather.
    During all this time the troops lay exposed on the sand hills,
    without the least shelter to cover them against the wind and
    rain. At length the army moved forward eleven miles, and got
    into cantonments along a canal extending the whole breadth of
    the country, from the Zuyder sea on the one side to the main
    ocean on the other, protected by an amazingly strong dyke,
    running half a mile in front of the line. In this position we
    remained unmolested until the 10th of September, on which day
    the enemy made a most desperate attack in three columns, two on
    the right and one on the centre of the line: he could not avoid
    being beaten, as it was the most injudicious step imaginable,
    and his loss was in proportion very great. The Guards, 20th,
    and 40th, acted conspicuous parts in this affair. The 49th was
    here again out of the way, with the exception indeed of Savery,
    whom nothing could keep from going to see what was doing on the
    right, and as it happened he proved of great use to Colonel
    Smith,[10] whom he assisted from the field after being wounded.
    The French soldier was taught to consider the British troops as
    the most undisciplined rabble in the world, and he advanced
    confident of conquest; but this affair, and others which
    followed, made him very soon change his opinion. Nothing
    remarkable occurred after this until the arrival of the Duke of
    York with the remainder of the British troops and 16,000
    Russians, which increased the army to about 35,000 men.
    Continued rain, however, prevented any thing being done before
    the 19th, when the whole army was put in motion. Sir Ralph took
    12,000, of which the 4th Brigade formed a part, to the left on
    the evening preceding, and got possession of the city of Horn
    the following morning at daylight, without a shot being fired:
    200 prisoners were taken. Horn is a very populous, handsome
    city, and evidently in the interest of the Prince of Orange.
    Nothing could exceed the joy of the inhabitants at our arrival,
    and in proportion as they rejoiced they mourned our departure,
    which took place before sun-set, in consequence of a fatal
    disaster which had befallen the Russians on the right. They of
    course threw the blame off their own shoulders, and wished to
    attribute the whole misfortune to the want of concert and a
    proper support on the part of the British; but I verily believe
    the real fact to be this. After most gallantly driving the
    enemy before them as far as Bergen, where it was previously
    arranged they should halt, they dispersed for the sake of
    plunder;--the French, hearing of this disorder, renewed the
    attack, and never gave the Russians an opportunity to form, but
    continued driving them with the bayonet until they encountered
    a body of English, under General Manners and Prince William,
    whose brigades suffered considerably. The Russians were,
    however, thus happily enabled to effect their retreat without
    further molestation; they were certainly the original cause of
    this disaster, but whether the British were sufficiently brisk
    in coming to their assistance, is doubted. The Russians in
    their persons are rather short of stature, and very thick and
    clumsy; they have nothing expressive in their features, but
    resemble much the Chinese countenance. I remarked an exception
    to this rule in a grenadier battalion, who, with tall, elegant
    persons, possessed remarkably fine, commanding faces. The
    officers in general are the most despicable wretches I ever
    saw: accustomed, as they have always been, to fight with troops
    much inferior to themselves, they thought themselves
    invincible. They take the field with an immense number of
    artillery, with which they cover their front and flanks, and
    thus never dreamed it possible, from their former experience,
    for troops to rally after being once beaten. This fatal
    security was the cause of the misfortune which befell the
    allies on the 19th. After the retreat from Horn, the 4th
    brigade took its station on the right, preparatory evidently to
    being actively employed; accordingly, on the 2d of October, the
    weather not permitting it sooner, the brigade assembled before
    daylight at Petten, and formed the advanced guard of a column,
    consisting of 10,000 men, which was to proceed along the beach
    to Egmont-op-Zee. After every thing had been properly arranged,
    it moved forward, supported by 1,000 cavalry, under Lord Paget.
    It was intended that the reserve, under Colonel M'Donald,
    should cover our flank, and that the column should rapidly
    advance to Egmont, in order to turn the flank of the enemy at
    Bergen. This was, however, prevented by a strong body of the
    enemy, who engaged the reserve the moment it ascended the sand
    hills; and although he retreated before the reserve, he
    constrained Colonel M'Donald to follow in a different direction
    to that intended, thereby leaving our left flank uncovered. But
    this did not impede our moving forward, and it was not until we
    had proceeded five or six miles that we found the least
    opposition. The enemy then appeared in small force, and the
    25th was ordered up the sand hills, but, he having increased,
    the 79th followed, and it was not long before the 49th was also
    ordered to form on the left of that regiment. It is impossible
    to give you an adequate idea of the nature of the ground, which
    I can only compare to the sea in a storm. On my getting to the
    left of the 79th, I found that its flank was already turned,
    and that the ground, which we were to occupy, did not afford
    the least shelter: my determination was instantly taken. I had
    gone on horseback to view the ground, and on my return to the
    regiment, which I met advancing, I found the left actually
    engaged with the enemy, who had advanced much beyond our left.
    I, however, continued advancing with six companies, and left
    Colonel Sheaffe with the other four to cover our left: the
    instant I came up to the 79th, I ordered a charge, which I
    assure you was executed with the greatest gallantry, though not
    in the greatest order, as the nature of the ground admitted of
    none. The enemy, however, gave way on every side, and our loss
    would have been very trifling had the 79th charged
    straightforward; but unfortunately it followed the course the
    49th had taken, thereby leaving our right entirely exposed. I
    detached Lord Aylmer[11] with the grenadiers, who, after
    charging different times, totally cleared our right. The 25th
    then advanced, and behaved with the greatest good conduct. The
    enemy after this never attempted to make a stand, but continued
    to retreat, and their loss on this occasion was very
    considerable. Nothing could exceed the gallantry of the 25th,
    49th, 79th, and 92d. For my own part, I had every reason to be
    satisfied with the conduct of both officers and men, and no
    commanding officer could be more handsomely supported than I
    was on that day, ever glorious to the 49th. Poor Archer brought
    his company to the attack in a most soldierlike manner; and
    even after he had received his mortal wound, he animated his
    men, calling on them to go on to victory, to glory; and no
    order could be more effectually obeyed: he is an irreparable
    loss to the service. I got knocked down soon after the enemy
    began to retreat, but never quitted the field, and returned to
    my duty in less than half an hour. Savery acted during the
    whole day as aide-de-camp either to Sir Ralph or Moore, and
    nothing could surpass his activity and gallantry. He had a
    horse shot under him, and had all this been in his line, he
    must have been particularly noticed, as he has become the
    astonishment of all who saw him. We remained that night and the
    following on the sand hills; you cannot conceive our wretched
    state, as it blew and rained nearly the whole time. Our men
    bore all this without grumbling, although they had nothing to
    eat but the biscuits they carried with them, which by this time
    were completely wet. We at length got into Egmont, and on the
    following day (5th) into Alkmaar, where we enjoyed ourselves
    amazingly. Alkmaar is a most delightful city; but the
    inhabitants are rank patriots, and none of the higher class
    remained to welcome our arrival. The following day another
    engagement ensued,[12] in consequence of the Russians advancing
    further than they were ordered to do: during this severe
    contest we were snugly in church. It is extraordinary that both
    parties were so beaten as to find a retreat necessary, as while
    we retreated to our old position, the enemy was also in full
    retreat. I shall say no more of the expedition to Holland, as
    what remains to be added, you will see fully detailed in the
    papers. I go to Norwich, where the regiment is quartered, this
    evening. Another expedition is talked of, under Lord Moira.
    Adieu."

In the battle of Egmont-op-Zee, seven pieces of cannon, a great number
of tumbrils, and a few hundred prisoners, were taken, and the loss of
the enemy was estimated as exceeding 4,000 men. Major-General Moore, in
whose brigade was the 49th, although severely wounded through the thigh,
continued in action for nearly two hours, until a second wound in the
face obliged him to quit the field. In his dispatch relative to this
battle, the Duke of York observed, that "under Divine Providence this
signal victory obtained over the enemy, is to be attributed to the
animating and persevering exertions which have at all times been the
characteristics of the British soldier, and which on no occasion were
ever more eminently displayed." The following extract from this
dispatch, dated Alkmaar, 6th of October, will shew the part borne in the
engagement by Sir Ralph Abercromby's division, in which was
Major-General Moore's brigade.


    "This was the last event which took place on the side of
    Bergen; and, as the close of the day was fast approaching,
    Colonel Macdonald with two battalions was sent to the support
    of General Sir Ralph Abercromby. The heights of the sand hills,
    surrounding Bergen for about three miles, remained crowned and
    possessed by about eleven British battalions. General Sir
    Ralph Abercromby had marched, according to the disposition,
    along the beach, with Major-General D'Oyley's, Major-General
    Moore's, and Major General Lord Cavan's brigades, the cavalry
    and horse artillery, (the reserve under Colonel Macdonald not
    having been able, owing to the great extent of the sand hills,
    to rejoin him, after turning to the left at Campe.) The main
    body of Sir Ralph Abercromby's column had proceeded, without
    meeting with much resistance, in the early part of the day, but
    was nevertheless much inconvenienced, and his troops harassed,
    by the necessity of detaching continually into the sand hills
    to his left, to cover that flank against the troops whom the
    enemy had placed in the sand hills. The admirable disposition,
    however, which he made of his troops, and their determined
    spirit and gallantry, enabled him to arrive within a mile of
    Egmont. Here he was seriously opposed by a very considerable
    corps of French infantry, which occupied Egmont-op-Zee, and the
    high sand hills in its front, and who had formed a very strong
    corps of cavalry and artillery to their left. The engagement
    was maintained during several hours with the greatest
    obstinacy; and in no instance were the abilities of a
    commander, or the heroic perseverance of troops in so difficult
    and trying a situation, more highly conspicuous. Animated by
    the example of General Sir Ralph Abercromby, and the generals
    and officers under him, the troops sustained every effort made
    upon them by an enemy then superior in numbers, and much
    favoured by the strength of his position. Late in the evening,
    the enemy's cavalry, having been defeated in an attempt which
    they made upon the British horse artillery on the beach, and
    having been charged by the cavalry under Colonel Lord Paget,
    was driven, with considerable loss, nearly to Egmont-op-Zee;
    his efforts then relaxed considerably on the right; and General
    Sir Ralph Abercromby, having soon after been joined by the
    reinforcements under Colonel Macdonald, took post upon the
    sand hills and the beach, within a very short distance of
    Egmont-op-Zee, where the troops lay upon their arms during the
    night."

In the battle of the 6th of October, in which the 49th was not engaged,
the English and Russians, after gaining some advantage, were suddenly
charged by the enemy's cavalry and separated, so that they could neither
support each other nor retain the ground which they had gained. The
allied armies were repulsed beyond Baccum, after having sustained a very
severe loss; and as they were unable either to advance or to draw any
resources from the country in their possession, their supplies were
necessarily obtained from the fleet. The Duke of York, therefore,
assembled a council of war, whose decision was, that the allied forces
should fall back and wait the instructions of the British Government. As
the season was so far advanced, as the approach of winter was daily
making the navigation of the coast more dangerous, and as there was no
time to effect diversions or to change the plan of operations, the Duke
of York was ordered to evacuate the country. In the meanwhile, as the
English and Russians concentrated themselves behind their entrenchments
at the Zyp, the enemy pressed upon them, and the Duke of York sent a
flag of truce to General Brune, proposing a capitulation on the basis of
an armistice, or of the free embarkation of his army. This was agreed to
at Alkmaar, on the 18th of October, and thus ended this memorable
expedition, the most considerable that had been attempted in modern
times up to that period. As the introduction of foreign troops into
England was prohibited by the Bill of Rights, the Russians were sent to
the islands of Jersey and Guernsey, the season not admitting of their
return home. About 6,000 were quartered in the latter island, where a
disease, contracted by exposure to the marshy grounds of Holland,
carried off some hundreds, who were buried at the foot of the hill on
which stands Vale Castle, and where their graves are still to be seen.
Their conduct in Guernsey was at first peaceable and orderly;--the
inhabitants were surprised at seeing them eat the grease from the cart
wheels, and they were also excessively fond of ardent spirits; and,
having plenty of money, they indulged in them freely, swallowing large
draughts in a raw state. But in June, 1800, while the transports were in
the roads to convey them to Russia, a soldier, who was robbing
vegetables on a small farm, which had been frequently plundered by his
comrades before, was fired at and wounded by the proprietor. This so
exasperated the whole body, that fears were entertained of their
revenging themselves on the inhabitants generally; and as the British
garrison was very small, it required all the tact and conciliation of
the lieutenant-governor, Sir Hew Dalrymple, to prevent an outbreak. The
Russians embarked, but the guns at Castle Cornet were kept shotted to
prevent their relanding.[13] The 49th, on the return of the expedition
from Holland, after remaining a short time in England, was again
quartered in Jersey, where the fine person and manly bearing of
Lieut.-Colonel Brock are still favorably remembered. In return for the
many attentions which he and his officers received in that island, he
obtained an ensigncy in his own regiment for a young man resident there,
whom he afterwards pushed forward in the service, and who died recently
a major-general and a companion of the bath. Early in the year 1801, the
49th was embarked in the fleet destined for the Baltic, under Sir Hyde
Parker; and Lieut.-Colonel Brock was second in command of the land
forces at the memorable attack of Copenhagen, by Lord Nelson, on the 2d
of April. He was appointed to lead the 49th in storming the principal of
the Treckroner batteries, in conjunction with five hundred seamen, under
Captain Fremantle,[14] of the Ganges, of 74 guns; but the protracted and
heroic defence of the Danes rendering the attempt impracticable, Colonel
Brock, during the hard-fought battle, remained on board the Ganges; and
at its close he accompanied Captain Fremantle to the Elephant, 74,
Nelson's flag ship, where he saw the hero[15] write his celebrated
letter to the Crown Prince of Denmark. Savery Brock was also on board
the Ganges, and while in the act of pointing one of her quarter deck
guns, his cocked hat was torn from his head by a grape shot: a naval
officer, who was present, afterwards described the scene which followed
this narrow escape in these words: "I now hear Sir Isaac exclaim, 'Ah!
poor Savery is dead!' But Savery was not an instant on his back; in the
same moment he rubbed his head, assured his brother that he was not
injured, and fired the gun with as much coolness as if nothing had
happened." The effect of the shot passing so near him was such that,
although a remarkably powerful young man, six feet two inches in height,
he was knocked down and stunned for the moment. Of the 49th, Captain
Sharp was badly wounded on board of the Bellona, and Lieutenant Dennis
was wounded on board of the Monarch, which ship had 55 killed and 155
wounded, exclusive of officers, but including 8 soldiers of the 49th
killed, and 20 wounded. In addition to the 49th was a detachment of the
95th, rifles--consisting, we believe, of two companies--under
Lieut.-Colonel the Honorable William Stewart,[16] who was senior officer
of the troops embarked. As such his name was included in the thanks of
Parliament; but we cannot understand why a lieutenant-colonel, with only
two companies, was placed over the head of an officer of equal rank with
his entire regiment, unless indeed the cause was that Lieut.-Colonel
Brock was not an "honorable!" We are not aware that he ever complained
of what appears to us to have been an act of injustice to him, and we
may therefore be wrong in our view of the subject. The British loss, in
killed and wounded, was 953, or 58 more than fell at the battle of the
Nile. In mentioning the loss at Copenhagen, Southey, in his admirable
Life of Nelson, says, on what authority we know not: "Part of this
slaughter might have been spared. The commanding officer of the troops
on board one of our ships, asked where his men should be stationed? He
was told that they could be of no use; that they were not near enough
for musquetry, and were not wanted at the guns; they had, therefore,
better go below. This, he said, was impossible--it would be a disgrace
that could never be wiped away. They were, therefore, drawn up upon the
gangway, to satisfy this cruel point of honor; and there, without the
possibility of annoying the enemy, they were mowed down! The loss of the
Danes, including prisoners, amounted to about 6,000."

John Savery Brock, of whose gallantry mention is made in the preceding
pages, was the next younger brother of Lieut.-Colonel Brock, and had
been in the navy; but it being supposed that he was influential, in the
year 1790, in inducing his brother midshipmen, of the fleet at Spithead,
to sign a round robin against their being subjected to the practice of
mast-heading--one having been hoisted up to the gaff end in an
ignominous manner, because he refused to go to the mast head as a
punishment--he was recommended privately to retire from the service.[17]
Being at this time a tall and high spirited young man of eighteen, it is
not surprising that he deemed such a punishment unnecessarily degrading
to the feelings of an officer, and which has since been very properly
abolished. Had it not been for this circumstance, it is the opinion of a
naval officer of high rank, that Savery Brock would have distinguished
himself and risen to eminence in the navy during the late revolutionary
wars. Some little time after this affair, being in Guernsey, he wished
to go to England, and was offered a passage in the Amazon, frigate,
Captain Reynolds, afterwards Rear-Admiral Reynolds, who perished in the
St. George, of 98 guns, on her return from the Baltic, in 1811. The
Amazon, bound to Portsmouth, left the roadstead late in the afternoon,
and before she was clear of the small Russel--a dangerous passage--night
overtook her. By some accident the pilot mistook the bearings, owing to
the darkness and thick weather. Savery Brock, being acquainted with the
intricate course, was on the fore yard looking out, when he suddenly
espied some rocks towards which the frigate was steering. There was no
time for communication, and, without hesitating an instant, he cried
out in true nautical style: "H-a-r-d up, h-a-r-d up." "H-a-r-d up it
is," replied the helmsman. "H-a-r-d up," repeated Savery in a louder
key. "Gently, young man," said the captain, who was standing forward.
The ship fortunately bore away just in time to clear the rocks, and was
thus saved by the prompt interference of her passenger. We have often
heard him in his latter days tell the story with excusable pride, and he
especially remembered how the crew pointed him out the next morning to
each other, as the young man who had got the ship out of her danger. As
he was without employment, his brother Isaac subsequently procured him
the paymastership of the 49th, which he retained only three or four
years, the office being one quite unfitted to his previous education and
active mind. In 1808, his military zeal induced him to serve for a short
time as an amateur aide-de-camp to Sir John Moore, on the Peninsula. He
married and settled in Guernsey; and whether as a militia colonel, or in
the exercise of a generous hospitality, or, above all, as a projector
and zealous promoter of many public improvements in his native island,
his memory will long live in the recollection of its inhabitants.

When Kean performed in Guernsey, two or three years before his
appearance on the London boards, Savery Brock was enthusiastic in his
admiration, and predicted the future eminence of that celebrated
tragedian, in whose memoirs his name is gratefully mentioned.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 2: With a slight variation, the field being gules instead of
azure. Motto, Vincit Veritas.]

[Footnote 3: Translation from the French by Lord Berners, vol. 2, chap.
39, 40. London Edition, 1815.]

[Footnote 4: The name of this ancient family, second to none in wealth
and station, became extinct in Guernsey, in 1810, on the death of Osmond
De Beauvoir, Esq., when his large property was inherited by distant
relatives.--_Duncan's History of Guernsey_.]

[Footnote 5: Major-General Le Marchant and his eldest son, a captain in
the Foot Guards, who both fell in Spain during the late war, and Captain
Philip Saumarez, who was Lord Anson's first lieutenant in the Centurion,
and was slain in 1747, while commanding the Nottingham, of 64 guns, were
members of those families.]

[Footnote 6: Brock street, at Bath, was named after him by the
projector, in testimony of friendship.]

[Footnote 7: New Annual Register for 1799, page 395.]

[Footnote 8: See the returns in the New Annual Register, for 1799,
Principal Occurrences, page 143. Singularly enough, the loss of the
non-commissioned officers and privates in each corps is not given, but
the casualties among the officers of the 49th exceeded those of any
other regiment engaged on this day, with the exception of the 25th and
92d.]

[Footnote 9: Afterwards Sir John Moore, who fell at Corunna.]

[Footnote 10: Lieut.-Colonel Smith, commanding the 20th, a native of
Guernsey, afterwards Colonel Sir George Smith, aide-de-camp to the king.
He died at Cadiz, in 1809, and was a distinguished officer.]

[Footnote 11: The present General Lord Aylmer, G.C.B., formerly
governor-general of British North America. He was then a captain in the
49th. See Appendix A, Sec. 1, No. 1.]

[Footnote 12: In this engagement, the gallant Lieut.-Colonel Bainbrigge,
of the 20th, was killed. He married Miss Dobrée, of Beauregard,
Guernsey.]

[Footnote 13: Duncan's History of Guernsey.]

[Footnote 14: The late Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Fremantle, G.C.B.]

[Footnote 15: It is worthy of remark, that Lieut.-Colonel Brock's almost
immediate superiors, during his active service in Europe, fell like
himself in action, as knights of the bath, viz. Sir Ralph Abereromby,
Lord Nelson, and Sir John Moore.]

[Footnote 16: Afterwards Sir W. Stewart, G.C.B., who commanded a
division in the Peninsular war.]

[Footnote 17: While the above was in type, the Duke of Rutland visited
Guernsey in his yacht, and wrote the following note at Detroit, the
residence of the once outcast middy, on whom, while we write this, the
hand of death is but too apparent: "The Duke of Rutland called to pay
his respects to Mr. Savery Brock, and sincerely regrets to find that he
is so unwell. Saturday, July 13, 1844."]





CHAPTER II.


The 49th, on its return from Copenhagen to England, was collected at
Colchester, and in the spring following, (1802,) the regiment sailed for
Canada, which country was destined to bestow on it many additional
laurels, as well as to be the scene of the fame and death of its
commanding officer. In less than eighteen months after the arrival of
the 49th in Canada, and while it was quartered in the upper province, a
serious conspiracy was on the point of breaking out in that part of the
regiment which was in garrison at Fort George, on the Niagara, under the
command of the junior lieutenant-colonel, the head quarters being, we
believe, at York, the capital. This officer, it seems, more by useless
annoyance than by actual severity, had exasperated the men under his
command to that degree that they formed a plot to murder all the
officers present, with the exception of a young man who had recently
joined; and then to cross over to the United States. Far be it from us
to justify the intention, which indeed was highly criminal; but in all
such extreme cases we hold that a sad abuse of power, or a gross want of
tact, must be the exciting cause, and that even in the passive obedience
of a military life, there may be a limit to human endurance. The
proximity of the United States rendered this plot a very feasible one,
as the men in a body could have crossed the river Niagara without
molestation or difficulty. The suspicions of the officer in command
having been aroused, he hastily wrote to Lieut.-Colonel Brock on the
subject, and sent his letter by one of the men, who delivered it as the
latter officer was shooting, or on his return from a shooting excursion.
On reading the letter, and knowing from the character of the man that he
must be engaged in the conspiracy, if there were any, he threatened to
shoot him on the spot, if he did not instantly divulge the names of the
ringleaders. The man, thus taken by surprise, did as he was ordered, and
Lieut.-Colonel Brock hurried off to Fort George. On his arrival he found
the men at dinner, and placing the officers with their drawn swords at
the doors, he went into the rooms with handcuffs, and secured the most
culpable, among whom was a sergeant, none offering the slightest
resistance. The ringleaders were immediately embarked, so as to prevent
any attempt at their rescue.[18] On being tried by a court martial, four
were condemned to suffer death, and, with three deserters, were shot at
Quebec, in presence of the garrison, early in the month of March, 1804.
A most awful and affecting sight it was: the wind was easterly, strong,
and cold,--a thick drift of snow added to the gloom,--and, as if to
increase the horror of the scene, a few of the firing party, fifty-six
in number, instead of advancing to within eight yards of the prisoners,
as was intended, owing to some mistake commenced firing at the distance
of at least fifty yards. The consequence was, that the unhappy wretches
were only partially wounded, and dropped one after another. Nearly forty
shots were fired before one poor fellow in the centre fell, although he
was wounded through the abdomen at the first discharge. The men who had
reserved their fire, were at length ordered up, and, lodging the
contents of their muskets in the breasts of the culprits, by that means
put them out of torture. The unfortunate sufferers declared publicly
that, had they continued under the command of Colonel Brock, they would
have escaped their melancholy end; and, as may be easily conceived, he
felt no little anguish that they, who had so recently and so bravely
fought under him in Holland and at Copenhagen, were thus doomed to end
their lives, the victims of unruly passions inflamed by vexatious
authority. He was now directed to assume the command at Fort George, and
all complaint and desertion instantly ceased.

In the fall of 1805, in October of which year he was made a full
colonel, Colonel Brock returned to Europe on leave; and early in the
following year, he laid before his royal highness the
commander-in-chief the outlines of a plan for the formation of a
veteran battalion, to serve in the Canadas. In support of the plan he
wrote:

    "The advantages which may attend the establishment of a corps
    such as is here recommended, will be perhaps more clearly
    understood by first adverting to some of the causes that
    produce the inconvenience to which the troops occupying the
    frontier posts of that country are continually exposed.

    "A regiment quartered in Upper Canada is generally divided into
    eight different parts, several hundred miles asunder, and in
    this situation it remains at least three years. Great as is the
    evil incidental to a state of separation, even where the mind
    is in no danger of being debauched, what may not be apprehended
    in a country where both the divided state of the regiment, and
    the artifices employed to wean the soldier from his duty,
    conspire to render almost ineffectual every effort of the
    officers to maintain the usual degree of order and discipline.
    The lures to desertion continually thrown out by the Americans,
    and the facility with which it can be accomplished, exacting a
    more than ordinary precaution on the part of the officers,
    insensibly produce mistrust between them and the men, highly
    prejudicial to the service.

    "Experience has taught me that no regular regiment, however
    high its claim to discipline, can occupy the frontier posts of
    Lower and Upper Canada without suffering materially in its
    numbers. It might have been otherwise some years ago; but now
    that the country, particularly the opposite shore, is chiefly
    inhabited by the vilest characters, who have an interest in
    debauching the soldier from his duty; since roads are opened
    into the interior of the States, which facilitate desertion, it
    is impossible to avoid the contagion. A total change must be
    effected in the minds and views of those who may hereafter be
    sent on this duty, before the evil can be surmounted."

In a letter from Lieut.-Colonel Gordon, dated Horse Guards, January 17,
1806, Colonel Brock received the Duke of York's "thanks for the
communication of his very sensible observations respecting the
distribution of the troops in Canada, which his royal highness will not
fail to take into consideration at a seasonable opportunity."[19]

While on a visit to his family and friends in Guernsey, Colonel Brock
deemed the intelligence from the United States to be of so warlike a
character, that he resolved on returning to Canada before his leave was
expired; and such was his anxiety to be at his post, that he overtook at
Cork the Lady Saumarez, a Guernsey vessel, well manned and armed as a
letter of marque, bound to Quebec. He left London on the 26th June,
1806, and hurried away from Europe never to return--never to revisit
those who fondly loved him, not only from ties of kindred, but for his
many endearing qualities; but he had the satisfaction of knowing that
the commander-in-chief was much pleased with the zeal and devotion
evinced by him on this occasion.

Soon after his arrival in Canada, Colonel Brock succeeded, on the 27th
September, 1806, to the command of the troops in the two provinces,
Colonel Bowes[20] having resigned that command on his departure for
England. At this time, the civil government of the lower province was
administered by Mr. President Dunn, and Colonel Brock resided at Quebec,
in command of the forces, until the arrival of the governor-general, Sir
James Craig, in October, 1807, who appointed him to act as a brigadier,
which appointment was confirmed by the king, to date from the 2d of
July, 1808.


_Colonel Brock to Lieut.-Colonel J.W. Gordon._

    QUEBEC, September 28, 1806.

    I have the honor to acquaint you, for the information of the
    commander-in-chief, that Colonel Bowes, preparatory to his
    departure for England, has resigned the command of his
    majesty's forces in this country, which, as the next senior
    officer, devolves on me.

    I find great pleasure in reporting to his royal highness the
    good order and discipline which, much to the credit of
    Lieut.-Colonel Sheaffe, I found on my arrival to prevail
    among the eight companies of the 49th regiment, quartered in
    this garrison.

    It has been the fate of the 49th to be divided, for the last
    four years and a half, several hundred miles apart, and
    however anxious I must be to assemble the whole together, I
    have not, considering the youth of the 100th regiment, which
    alone affords me the means of effecting that measure, thought
    it prudent to withdraw the company stationed at St. John's and
    the other frontier posts of this province, but the one at
    Montreal will be relieved this autumn.

    Colonel Bowes having complied with Lieut.-Colonel Otway's
    earnest application for leave to return to England, I have
    appointed Captain Ormsby, of the 49th regiment, an officer of
    approved merit, to act as deputy adjutant-general during his
    absence; an arrangement which, I presume to hope, his royal
    highness will be graciously pleased to sanction.


_Colonel Brock to the Right Hon. W. Windham._

    QUEBEC, February 12, 1807.

    I have the honor to transmit for your consideration a proposal
    of Lieut.-Colonel John M'Donald, late of the Royal Canadian
    Volunteers, for raising a corps among the Scotch settlers in
    the county of Glengary, Upper Canada.

    When it is considered that both the Canadas furnish only two
    hundred militia who are trained to arms, the advantages to be
    derived from such an establishment must appear very, evident.

    The military force in this country is very small, and were it
    possible to collect it in time to oppose any serious attempt
    upon Quebec, the only tenable post, the number would of itself
    be insufficient to ensure a vigorous defence.

    This corps, being stationed on the confines of the Lower
    Province, would be always immediately and essentially useful
    in checking any seditious disposition, which the wavering
    sentiments of a large population in the Montreal district
    might at any time manifest. In the event of invasion, or other
    emergency, this force could be easily and expeditiously
    transported by water to Quebec.

    The extent of country which these settlers occupy, would make
    the permanent establishment of the staff and one sergeant in
    each company very advisable. I shall not presume to say how
    far the claims of the field officers to the same indulgence
    are reasonable and expedient.

    In regard to the Rev. Alexander M'Donald, I beg leave to
    observe, that the men being all Catholics, it may be deemed a
    prudent measure to appoint him chaplain. His zeal and
    attachment to Government were strongly evinced whilst filling
    the office of chaplain to the Glengary Fencibles during the
    rebellion in Ireland, and were graciously acknowledged by his
    royal highness the commander-in-chief.

    His influence over the men is deservedly great, and I have
    every reason to think that the corps, by his exertions, would
    be soon completed, and hereafter become a nursery from which
    the army might draw a number of hardy recruits.

      *      *      *      *      *

The following letter affords a good idea of the confidential report of a
general officer on the state of a regiment after its periodical
inspection.


_Colonel Brock to the Adjutant-General of His Majesty's Forces._

    QUEBEC, March 17, 1807.

    In obedience to the commander-in-chief's commands,
    communicated to me in your letter dated 20th November last, I
    shall proceed to state, for His Royal Highness's information,
    such observations as a strict attention to the conduct and
    interior economy of the 100th[21] regiment during the
    preceding six months has enabled me to make.

    The greatest praise is justly due to Lieut.-Colonel Murray,
    who has commanded, with only a short interval, from the first
    formation of the regiment to the present time, for his
    unremitting care and attention to the several important duties
    of his office.

    The good effects of his exertions and intelligence are
    strikingly visible in every department of the corps. He has
    been ably supported by Major Hamilton and the rest of his
    officers, who on all occasions evince the utmost zeal for the
    service, and the highest respect and attachment towards his
    person. He has succeeded in establishing an interior
    discipline and economy, which I have never before witnessed in
    so young a corps, and scarcely seen surpassed by any, and in a
    way too the most satisfactory to the feelings of an officer.

    Although I trust the garrison duty at Quebec is carried on
    with every regard to the safety of the place, together with
    the strictest attention to all prescribed forms and
    regulations, yet the winter has nearly passed without a single
    instance of neglect or misconduct having occurred among the
    100th regiment; and it is a pleasing task to report, that so
    exemplarily have the men behaved, that, even regimentally,
    only one corporal punishment has been inflicted for the last
    three months.

    I am now speaking of men who, being nearly all Irish, are of
    all others the most volatile and easily led astray. Should
    they, therefore, hereafter be seduced by the various
    temptations by which they are surrounded, I hope to escape the
    imputation of judging too hastily and partially. The men were
    principally raised in the north of Ireland, and are nearly all
    Protestants; they are robust, active, and good looking.

    The troops in this country are precluded, by the severity of
    the climate during seven months in the year, from exercising
    out of doors: it cannot, therefore, be expected that the 100th
    regiment can, considering the little practice it has had in
    the field, and after such a long interval, be very expert in
    its manoeuvres; but as Lieut.-Colonel Murray possesses both
    capacity and inclination, and as a good foundation is already
    laid, the most rapid progress may be expected so soon as the
    season enables him to commence his labours.

    A large room has been allotted in the barracks to the purposes
    of drilling with arms, from which the garrison has derived
    essential benefit.

    The clothing for the present year is all fitted, and appears
    very good. Every man is provided with a great coat, agreeably
    to His Majesty's regulations; but as the great coat is
    necessarily worn on all occasions for six months in the year,
    it cannot by the strictest economy be made to last the
    specified time. Those of the 100th have been two years in
    wear, and are so far expended, that they will become wholly
    unserviceable before next winter. I know of no other
    alternative but supplying others at the charge of the men,
    which opinion I have given to Lieut.-Colonel Murray, who
    applied to me on the subject.

    The messes have been all along abundantly provided. Indeed,
    the soldiers in this country live in a perfect state of luxury
    unknown any where else.

    The non-commissioned officers and privates acknowledge to have
    received every thing which is their due in respect to pay and
    clothing. One man claims a part of his bounty, which, he says,
    has been withheld. A regimental court martial has already
    decided against him, but the business shall again be
    investigated by a garrison court martial.

    Lieut.-Colonel Murray has reported to me, that there are
    several men in his regiment who claim bounty, but as only one
    complained at the inspection, the remainder must be satisfied
    that he is doing his utmost to recover what is actually their
    due.

    The hospital is in as complete order as the house which has
    been hired for that purpose can admit. Indeed, the troops in
    garrison are much inconvenienced for want of permanent
    hospitals. There were three cases of fever; the remainder of
    the patients were chiefly attacked with a disease too
    prevalent among young soldiers. Three men are unfit for
    service, being frost-bitten.

    The men are supplied with necessaries in conformity to his
    majesty's regulations.


_Colonel Brock to the Adjutant-General of His Majesty's Forces._

    QUEBEC, July 1, 1807.

    I have the honor to transmit herewith the inspection return of
    the 41st regiment for two distinct periods, viz. September 1,
    1806, and March 1, 1807.

    Some inaccuracies being found in the September return
    previously received, it was sent back to Lieut.-Colonel
    Proctor, at Fort George, for correction. This circumstance and
    the distance of the place, account for the delay which has
    occurred in complying, in the present instance, with the
    commands of his royal highness the commander-in-chief.

    The very great distance of the quarters the 41st now occupy,
    has prevented my making personally the periodical inspection
    of that regiment required by my instructions. But its
    dispersed state and the many evils by which it is surrounded
    will, however great the zeal and intelligence of
    Lieut.-Colonel Proctor and the other officers, so far affect
    the discipline and morals of the men, as to justify my saying
    that both the one and the other must, without the possibility
    of a remedy, progressively suffer in proportion as the
    regiment remains stationed in the Upper Province. The 41st
    regiment, having a considerable number of old soldiers, is
    better calculated for that service than either the 49th or
    100th regiments, and no change is therefore meditated.

    Not being possessed with the means of making a more
    circumstantial report of the state of the 41st regiment, I
    have only to add, in justice to the officers commanding posts,
    that they evince in their communications with head quarters
    much attention and sound judgment.

    Contemplating the probable arrival of a general officer by the
    fleet daily expected from England, I have so far presumed to
    deviate from my instructions as to postpone making the
    periodical inspection of the regiments quartered in this
    garrison, conceiving that his royal highness the
    commander-in-chief would esteem a report coming from such a
    high source more satisfactory, than if I were to undertake the
    task in my present situation, which may naturally be supposed,
    in some degree, to bias my judgment.

      *      *      *      *      *

On the 17th July, 1807, in consequence of an expected rupture between
England and the United States, Colonel Brock addressed a letter to Mr.
President Dunn, in which he said that the number of militia armed and
instructed in the province did not exceed 300, while he thought that as
many thousands could easily, and with perfect safety, be formed into
corps; and that Quebec, the only military post in the country, was not
in a condition to make much defence against an active enemy, as the
walls on the western side were old and decayed, and could not possibly
sustain a continued heavy fire. He added, that he wished to throw up
such works as would remedy this glaring defect; but as the garrison was
totally inadequate to such an undertaking, he required from 600 to 1,000
men every day for six weeks or two months, besides a vast number of
carts, &c., to complete the necessary defences of the citadel. This
letter being submitted to the council, that body replied, that the only
means by which assistance could be given by the civil government to the
military, in the manner proposed by Colonel Brock, would be by embodying
a proportion of the militia according to law, the men for which service
must be taken from different parts of the province. And that as this
measure had only once before been resorted to in the province, on which
occasion a decided disobedience was generally manifested, and was again
to be anticipated, the council inquired of Colonel Brock whether he had
the means, and would furnish them, to enforce the attendance of the
militia, who, when embodied, were entitled to the same pay and
allowances as the king's troops. The council further informed Colonel
Brock that it would meet again the next day, for the purpose of taking
into consideration any representation, in writing, which he might think
proper to make in answer to their communication, and that, if convenient
to him, they requested his personal attendance. His reply was as
follows:

    QUEBEC, 23d July, 1807.

    Colonel Brock has perused with attention the proceedings of
    his honor the president in council, communicated to him by Mr.
    Ryland, and begs leave to observe, that in addressing his
    honor on the 17th instant, it was far from his intention to
    assume a political character.

    His sole object was to state the assistance required by the
    military to remedy a glaring defect in the fortifications of
    Quebec, should his honor conceive that preparatory measures
    were necessary to be adopted in consequence of the event which
    recently occurred between his majesty's ship Leopard and the
    American frigate Chesapeake, but more particularly the
    subsequent aggressive provisions contained in the proclamation
    of the American government.

    In thus complying with the dictates of his duty, Colonel Brock
    was not prepared to hear that the population of the province,
    instead of affording him ready and effectual support, might
    probably add to the number of his enemies; and he feels much
    disappointment in being informed by the first authority, that
    the only law in any degree calculated to answer the end
    proposed was likely, if attempted to be enforced, to meet with
    such general opposition as to require the aid of the military
    to give it even a momentary impulse.

    Colonel Brock is therefore obliged to observe, that the
    officer commanding certainly would not choose the time when
    the troops may every instant be called upon for the defence of
    Quebec, to disperse them over the country in aid of the civil
    government, coercively collecting a body of men, which, under
    such circumstances, would be of more detriment than service to
    the regular army. Colonel Brock cannot, therefore, look for
    any assistance from that quarter, but, should an emergency
    arise, he is confident that voluntary offers of service will
    be made by a considerable number of brave and loyal subjects,
    and feels himself justified in saying, that even now several
    gentlemen are ready to come forward and enroll into companies
    men on whose fidelity they can safely rely.

    It remains with his honor to determine the degree of
    countenance which ought to be given to such sentiments.

    Colonel Brock will be at all times proud to attend
    deliberations of his honor in council.


_Colonel Brock to Lord Viscount Castlereagh._

    QUEBEC, July 25, 1807.

    I think it my duty to transmit for your lordship's information
    a copy of the communication that has passed between his honor
    the president and me, relative to the military situation of
    this country.

    Your Lordship will perceive from the minutes of the council,
    how very inadequate the militia law is to afford assistance to
    the regular force, and the degree of dependance that may be
    placed on the population of this province.

    My own observations, however, enable me to assure your
    Lordship, that a respectable force might be trained and
    rendered exceedingly useful on any exigency, were the least
    encouragement given to the spirit which at present pervades a
    certain class to volunteer their services.

    To such characters arms might be safely entrusted, but I
    certainly would consider an indiscriminate distribution to the
    militia, were it possible to collect it, as highly imprudent
    and dangerous.

    What I stated to his honor the president respecting the
    weakness of the works along the whole of the west front of
    this garrison, is consonant to the opinion transmitted by the
    officers of engineers and artillery, in their half-yearly
    periodical report, to the master-general of the ordnance.

    To a question from the president, viz. "Should the council
    conceive it necessary to call out the militia, whether I
    thought myself warranted to issue pay and provisions to them?"
    I answered, Certainly not: that in all British Colonies, of
    which I had any knowledge, they on all such occasions defrayed
    their own expenses.

    The consideration that there is about £30,000 in the civil
    chest, which cannot be applied to its object until next
    spring, and the ease with which the error I may have fallen
    into might be remedied, induced me to be so positive upon a
    subject, regarding which I am without instructions.


_Colonel Brock to Lieut.-Colonel J.W. Gordon._

    QUEBEC, Sept. 6, 1807.

    It is impossible to view the late hostile measures of the
    American government towards England, without considering a
    rupture between the two countries as probable to happen.

    I have in consequence been anxious that such precautionary
    measures might be taken as the case seemed to justify; but his
    honor the president has not judged it proper to adopt any
    other step, than merely to order one-fifth of the militia,
    which amounts to about 10,000 men, to hold itself in readiness
    to march on the shortest notice.

    The men thus selected for service being scattered along an
    extensive line of four or five hundred miles, unarmed and
    totally unacquainted with every thing military, without
    officers capable of giving them instruction, considerable time
    would naturally be required before the necessary degree of
    order and discipline could be introduced among them. I
    therefore very much doubt whether, in the event of actual war,
    this force could assemble in time, and become useful.

    Without considerable assistance from the militia, the few
    regulars which might be spared from this garrison could avail
    nothing against the force the Americans would suddenly
    introduce by various roads into this province.

    The Canadians have unquestionably shewn a great willingness
    upon this occasion to be trained, and, I make not the least
    doubt, would oppose with vigour any invasion of the
    Americans--but how far the same sentiments would actuate them
    were a French force to join, I will not undertake to say; at
    any rate, I feel that every consideration of prudence and
    policy ought to determine me to keep in Quebec a sufficient
    force to secure its safety; the number of troops that could
    therefore be safely detached would be small, notwithstanding a
    great deal might be done, in conjunction with the militia, in
    a country intersected in every direction by rivers, deep
    ravines, and lined, at intervals on both sides the road, by
    thick woods.

    From every information I can receive, the Americans are busily
    employed in drilling and forming their militia, and openly
    declare their intention of entering this province the instant
    war is determined upon; they will be encouraged to adopt this
    step from the very defenceless state of our frontiers; the
    means at my disposal are too limited to oppose them with
    effect in the open field, and I shall be constrained, unless
    his honor the president make exertions, which I do not think
    him at this moment disposed to do, to confine myself to the
    defence of Quebec.

    I have hastened the completion of the works which enclose the
    upper town of Quebec, and I have thought myself justified in
    causing a battery of eight 36-pounders to be raised sixteen
    feet upon the cavalier in the centre of the citadel, which
    will effectually command the opposite heights.

    Although these remarks may be premature, I yet conceive it my
    duty to give his royal highness the commander-in-chief a view
    of my real situation.

    I must freely confess that I am unable to account for the
    motives which seem at present to guide the councils of this
    province. Voluntary offers of service have been made by
    numbers, on whose loyalty the utmost reliance can be placed,
    to form themselves into corps of cavalry, artillery, and
    infantry, at little or no expense to government, provided they
    were furnished with arms; but this liberal spirit has not been
    encouraged by the president.

    I have the honor to report, that at a recent interview I had
    at Montreal with Lieut.-Governor Gore, it was judged expedient
    that his excellency should assume the command in the upper
    province. I regretted exceedingly that I could not, with
    propriety, detach troops in support of the spirited exertions
    whioh will be immediately made to place that country in a
    respectable state of defence. He has been supplied with four
    thousand muskets from the king's arsenal at Quebec, and with
    various military stores of which he stood in need: this leaves
    in my possession only seven thousand muskets for the use of
    the militia of this province, and to supply, as far as they
    will go, every other emergency.


_Sir James Craig to Colonel Brock_.

    H.M.S. Horatio, Oct. 16, 1807.

    His majesty having been pleased to appoint me to the chief
    government of the British provinces in America, as well as to
    the command of his forces in these parts, I do myself the
    pleasure to announce to you my arrival in the river, to take
    these charges upon me.

    Lieut.-Colonel Baynes, the adjutant-general, and Major
    Thornton, my secretary and first aide-decamp, will deliver you
    this, and will inform you of the very miserable state of my
    health, which obliges me to write to Mr. Dunn, to entreat that
    he will permit my landing to be as private as possible. Of you
    I must make the same request. A salute may be proper, but I
    beg nothing more may be done: my object must be to get to the
    château as speedily and with as little fatigue as possible.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 18: Owing to the difficulty, after the lapse of above forty
years, of obtaining the particulars of this event from any officer
present, the preceding account may be slightly inaccurate
notwithstanding our diligent inquiries, but we doubt not that it is
substantially correct.]

[Footnote 19: The 10th Royal Veteran Battalion arrived in Canada the
year following.]

[Footnote 20: Afterwards Major-General Barnard Foord Bowes, slain on the
27th June, 1812, while leading the troops to the assault of the forts of
Salamanca. Monuments in St. Paul's, to the memory of Major-General Bowes
and of Sir Isaac Brock, were voted in the House of Commons on the same
day, 20th July, 1813.]

[Footnote 21: On the passage of the 100th to Quebec, in 1805, one of the
transports was wrecked on the 21st October, on the coast of
Newfoundland; and Major Bertram, three captains, six lieutenants, the
assistant-surgeon, and about 260 men of the regiment, miserably
perished.]




CHAPTER III.


_Brigadier Brock to his Brothers_.

    MONTREAL, July 20, 1808.

    I have written to all of you since the navigation opened, and
    the only letters I have received from any of the family for
    several months came from Irving, who, to do him justice, is
    infinitely the most attentive and regular correspondent among
    you.

    My appointment to be brigadier I first announced by the March
    mail. Those who feel an interest in my prosperity will rejoice
    in my good fortune, as this distinguished mark of favor
    affords undeniable proof that my conduct, during the period of
    my command, was approved;--a great gratification, considering
    the many difficulties I had to encounter. I once thought I
    should be ordered to the upper province, but General Ferguson
    being among the newly appointed major-generals, will not now
    probably visit this country. In that case, I stand a very good
    chance of succeeding him, both in rank and in the command of
    Quebec, where it was intended he should be stationed.

    What will be the result of our present unsettled relations
    with the neighbouring republic, it is very difficult to say.
    The government is composed of such unprincipled men, that to
    calculate on it by the ordinary rules of action would be
    perfectly absurd. We have completely outwitted Jefferson in
    all his schemes to provoke us to war. He had no other view in
    issuing his restrictive proclamation; but, failing in that, he
    tried what the embargo would produce, and there he has been
    foiled again. Certainly, our administration is deserving of
    every praise for their policy on these occasions. Jefferson
    and his party, however strong the inclination, dare not
    declare war, and therefore they endeavour to attain their
    object by every provocation. A few weeks since, the garrison
    of Niagara fired upon seven merchant boats passing the fort,
    and actually captured them. Considering the circumstances
    attending this hostile act, it is but too evident it was
    intended to provoke retaliation: these boats fired upon and
    taken within musket shot of our own fort; their balls falling
    on our shore, was expected to have raised the indignation of
    the most phlegmatic; fortunately, the commandant was not in
    the way, as otherwise it is difficult to say what would have
    happened. A representation of this affair has been made at
    Washington, and, for an act certainly opposed to existing
    treaties, we have been referred for justice to the ordinary
    course of the law! If our subjects cannot command impunity
    from capture under the guns of our own forts, it were better
    to demolish them at once rather than witness and suffer such
    indignity. By the treaties which have expired, the navigation
    of the waters that divide the two countries is regulated and
    stipulated to be still in force, although every other part
    should cease to be obligatory.

    I get on here pretty well, but this place loses at this season
    the undoubted advantage it possesses over Quebec in winter.
    Great additions are making to the fortifications at Quebec,
    and, when completed, the Americans will, if I mistake not,
    think it prudent not to trouble the place, for they can have
    no chance of making any impression upon it during the short
    period which the severity of the climate only permits an enemy
    to lay before it. I erected, as I believe I told you before, a
    famous battery, which the public voice named after me; but Sir
    James, thinking very properly that any thing so very
    pre-eminent should be distinguished by the most exalted
    appellation, has called it the King's Battery, the greatest
    compliment, I conceive, that he could pay to my judgment.[22]
    Not a desertion has been attempted by any of the 49th for the
    last ten months, with the exception indeed of Hogan, Savery's
    former servant. He served Glegg in the same capacity, who took
    him with him to the Falls of Niagara, where a fair damsel
    persuaded him to this act of madness, for the fellow cannot
    possibly gain his bread by labour, as he has half killed
    himself with excessive drinking; and we know he cannot live
    upon love alone. The weather has been exceedingly hot the last
    week, the thermometer fluctuating from 94 degrees to 100
    degrees in the shade. The embargo has proved a famous harvest
    to some merchants here. It is certainly the most ridiculous
    measure imaginable, and was evidently adopted with the view of
    pleasing France; but no half measure can satisfy Napoleon, and
    this colony has been raised by it to a degree of importance
    that ensures its future prosperity.


_Brigadier Brock to his Brothers_.

    QUEBEC, September 5, 1808.

    I have been here but a few days, having been superseded at
    Montreal by Major-General Drummond. I do not approve much of
    the change, as being separated from the 49th is a great
    annoyance to me. But soldiers must accustom themselves to
    frequent movements; and as they have no choice, it often
    happens that they are placed in situations little agreeing
    with their inclinations. My nominal appointment has been
    confirmed at home, so that I am really a brigadier. Were the
    49th ordered hence, the rank would not be a sufficient
    inducement to keep me in this country. In such a case, I would
    throw it up willingly.

    Curious scenes appear to have occurred in the Baltic. I fear
    very much that Sir James (Saumarez) may be induced to return
    to his retirement in Guernsey. Indeed, the navy has little
    left to do, while the army has now a glorious opportunity of
    distinguishing itself as much as the sister service. Valour
    the British troops always possessed, but unless they evince
    discipline, their fame will be blasted for a century to come.


_Brigadier Brock to his Brothers_.

    QUEBEC, November 19, 1808.

    Yesterday Irving's letter of the 19th September reached me.
    How very thankful I feel for his attention. But I have not
    received that which he mentions Savery had written on the same
    day, giving an account of his proceedings in Spain and
    Portugal. This is a truly mortifying disappointment, as it is
    impossible to discover by the public prints the mystery by
    which the conduct of our officers has been influenced. The
    precaution which Irving took to transcribe a part of the
    letter, has proved very lucky. Notwithstanding, I look for the
    original with unusual impatience, as Savery's opinion must be
    formed upon what he saw in full practice in the best
    disciplined army that ever, I imagine, left England. His
    observations are never thrown away.

    I am still confined to my room, more indeed on account of the
    badness of the weather than any want of progress in my
    recovery. We have had very hard gales from the East. The
    Iphigenia frigate, with her convoy, could not have cleared the
    land, and the greatest apprehension is entertained for her
    safety. Her commander, Captain Lambert, is a friend of George
    Brock. I find him an exceedingly good fellow; and I have
    reason to think that he left us well satisfied with the
    attention he received from me.[23]

    Sir James Craig has certain intimation of the appointment of
    Colonel Baron de Rottenburg, of the 60th, to be a brigadier in
    this country, and he is daily looked for. This most probably
    will make a change in my situation, as one must go to the
    upper province, and, as he is senior, he will doubtless have
    the choice. My object is to get home as soon as I can obtain
    permission; but unless our affairs with America be amicably
    adjusted, of which I see no probability, I scarcely can expect
    to be permitted to move. I rejoice Savery has begun to exert
    himself to get me appointed to a more active situation. I must
    see service, or I may as well, and indeed much better, quit
    the army at once, for no one advantage can I reasonably look
    to hereafter if I remain buried in this inactive, remote
    corner, without the least mention being made of me. Should Sir
    James Saumarez return from the Baltic crowned with success, he
    could, I should think, say a good word for me to some purpose.

    Vincent[24] is doing extremely well. I however dread the
    severity of a winter upon his shattered frame. I must
    contrive to meet and dissipate the dull hours with my good
    friends of the 49th. I have prevailed upon Sir James to
    appoint Sergeant Robinson, master of the band, to a situation
    in the commissariat at Sorel, worth 3s. 6d. a day, with
    subaltern's lodging money and other allowances. He married a
    Jersey lass, whose relatives may inquire for him.

      *      *      *      *      *

It will be seen by the next letter and a few others which follow, that
Sir Isaac Brock was well aware of the existence among the French
Canadians of a spirit of disaffection, which, in 1837, broke out into
open rebellion, the suppression of which earned Sir John Colborne (the
present Lord Seaton) his peerage. The outbreak caused great loss of
life, and considerable expense arising not only from the hurried
dispatch to Quebec of a large body of troops from Nova Scotia and
England, but from the retention in the Canadas of about 10,000 men for a
few years, to overawe the disaffected, and to repress the piratical
incursions of the citizens of the United States in their favor.


_Brigadier Brock to his brother William_.

    QUEBEC, December 31, 1809.

    You will long since have been convinced that the American
    government is determined to involve the two countries in a
    war; they have already given us legitimate cause, but, if
    wise, we will studiously avoid doing that for which they shew
    so great an anxiety. Their finances, you will perceive, are
    very low, and they dare not propose direct taxes. They must
    have recourse to loans at a time when they have only six
    frigates in commission, and about five thousand men embodied.
    To what a state of poverty and wretchedness would the
    accumulated expenses of war reduce them! But they look to the
    success of their privateers for a supply, and contemplate the
    sweeping away of all foreign debts as the means of reducing
    the calls upon their treasury. Whatever steps England may
    adopt, I think she cannot, in prudence, avoid sending a strong
    military force to these provinces, as they are now become of
    infinite importance to her. You can scarcely conceive the
    quantity of timber and spars of all kinds which are lying on
    the beach, ready for shipment to England in the spring: four
    hundred vessels would not be sufficient to take all away.
    Whence can England be supplied with these essential articles
    but from the Canadas? Bonaparte, it is known, has expressed a
    strong desire to be in possession of the colonies formerly
    belonging to France, and now that they are become so valuable
    to England, his anxiety to wrest them from us will naturally
    increase. A small French force, 4 or 5,000 men, with plenty of
    muskets, would most assuredly conquer this province. The
    Canadians would join them almost to a man--at least, the
    exceptions would be so few as to be of little avail. It may
    appear surprising that men, petted as they have been and
    indulged in every thing they could desire, should wish for a
    change. But so it is--and I am apt to think that were
    Englishmen placed in the same situation, they would shew even
    more impatience to escape from French rule. How essentially
    different are the feelings of the people from when I first
    knew them. The idea prevails generally among them, that
    Napoleon must succeed, and ultimately get possession of these
    provinces. The bold and violent are becoming every day more
    audacious; and the timid, with that impression, think it
    better and more prudent to withdraw altogether from the
    society of the English, rather than run the chance of being
    accused hereafter of partiality to them. The consequence is,
    that little or no intercourse exists between the two races.
    More troops will be required in this country, were it only to
    keep down this growing turbulent spirit. The governor will, it
    is foreseen, have a difficult card to play next month with the
    assembly, which is really getting too daring and arrogant.
    Every victory which Napoleon has gained for the last nine
    years, has made the disposition here to resist more manifest.


_Brigadier Brock to his sister-in-law, Mrs. W. Brock_.

    QUEBEC, June 8, 1810.

    It was my decided intention to ask for leave to go to England
    this fall, but I have now relinquished the thought. Several
    untoward circumstances combine to oppose my wishes. The spirit
    of insubordination lately manifested by the French Canadian
    population of this colony, naturally called for precautionary
    measures, and our worthy chief is induced, in consequence, to
    retain in this country those on whom he can best confide. I am
    highly flattered in being reckoned among the number, whatever
    inward disappointment I may feel. Some unpleasant events have
    likewise happened in the upper country, which have occasioned
    my receiving intimation to proceed thither, whether as a
    permanent station, or merely as a temporary visit, Sir James
    Craig has not determined. Should, however, a senior brigadier
    to myself come out in the course of the summer, I shall
    certainly be fixed in the upper province, and there is every
    probability of such an addition very soon. Since all my
    efforts to get more actively employed have failed; since fate
    decrees that the best portion of my life is to be wasted in
    inaction in the Canadas, I am rather pleased with the prospect
    of removing upwards.

    There is a lady living at Barnet for whom I feel much
    interested. If you should by chance drive that way, and do not
    object to form a new acquaintance, I wish you to call upon
    her. She is the wife of Captain Manners, of the 49th, and the
    daughter of the celebrated Dr. Rush, of Philadelphia. She has
    a most amiable disposition and genteel manners. Her sister,
    Mrs. Ross Cuthbert, a charming little creature, makes her
    husband--my most intimate friend, and with whom I pass a
    great part of my leisure hours--a most happy man.

    I received the other day a long and exceedingly well written
    letter from Henrietta Tupper--she is really a charming
    girl. What Maria[25] (Potenger) do you begin to slacken in
    your attention to your poor devoted uncle?


_Brigadier Brock to his brother Irving_.

    QUEBEC, July 9, 1810.

    I have a thousand thanks to offer you for the very great
    attention you have shewn in executing my commissions: the
    different articles arrived in the very best order, with the
    exception of the cocked hat, which has not been received--a
    most distressing circumstance, as, from the enormity of my
    head[26], I find the utmost difficulty in getting a substitute
    in this country.

    I proposed writing to you early to-morrow, but Sir James
    having this instant intimated his intention of sending me
    upwards immediately, I avail myself of an hour's leisure to do
    that hastily which I would gladly have done quietly, and,
    consequently, more fully. If I am to remain in this country, I
    care little where I am placed; but going up, as I do now,
    without knowing whether I am to stay or return, is
    particularly awkward, and interferes materially in all my
    future arrangements: perhaps I shall be able to get the point
    settled before I commence my journey.

    Every thing here remains in a state of perfect quietness. It
    is but too evident that the Canadians generally are becoming
    daily more anxious to get rid of the English. This they cannot
    effect unless a French force come to their aid, and I do not
    think that Bonaparte would risk the loss of a fleet and army
    for the chance of getting possession of the country. What
    infatuation! No people had ever more cause to rejoice at their
    fate; but they are not singular, as all mankind seems prone to
    change, however disadvantageous or productive of confusion.

    Savery forwarded your pamphlet to me. You have taken a very
    proper view of the political dissensions which at this moment
    disgrace England. Those to whom I have allowed a perusal, and
    who are infinitely better judges than I can pretend to be,
    speak of the purity of the language in terms of high
    approbation. You have happily suited the style to the matter.
    Several copies have, within a few days, been in circulation
    here. Savery speaks of a letter you received, in consequence,
    from Lord Melville. I hope you will not fail in sending me a
    copy, as I am all anxiety for your literary fame. As you
    differ in sentiment from the Edinburgh Review, I hope that you
    have made up your mind to an unmerciful lashing.

    I do not see the smallest prospect of my getting away from
    here, as the disposition manifested by the Canadians will
    occasion a large military force to be kept in the country, and
    it will serve as a plea to retain all at their posts. I wish
    that I could boast of a little more patience than I feel I now
    possess.

    The fortifications of Quebec are improving pretty rapidly, but
    workmen cannot be procured in sufficient number to proceed as
    fast as government would wish. Labourers now get 7s. 6d. a
    day, and artificers from 12s. to 15s. Upwards of three hundred
    vessels have already arrived--a prodigious number.


_Brigadier Brock to his sister-in-law, Mrs. William Brock._

    QUEBEC, July 10, 1810.

    I cannot allow the frigate to depart without sending my
    affectionate love to you. A Guernsey vessel arrived a few days
    ago, which brought me a letter from Savery of 10th May, and
    nothing could be more gratifying than the contents. The May
    fleet, which sailed from Portsmouth the 24th, reached this in
    thirty days, but as it had not a scrape of a pen for me, its
    arrival did not interest me. We have been uncommonly gay the
    last fortnight: two frigates at anchor, and the arrival of
    Governor Gore from the upper province, have given a zest to
    society. Races, country and water parties, have occupied our
    time in a continued round of festivity. Such stimulus is
    highly necessary to keep our spirits afloat. I contributed my
    share to the general mirth in a grand dinner given to Mrs.
    Gore, at which Sir J. Craig was present, and a ball to a vast
    assemblage of all descriptions.

    I mentioned in a former letter my apprehensions of being
    ordered to the upper province. I return this moment from
    waiting upon Sir James, who sent for me, to say he regretted
    he must part with me, as he found it absolutely necessary that
    I should proceed upwards without delay. I am placed in a very
    awkward predicament, as my stay in that country depends wholly
    upon contingencies. Should a brigadier arrive I am to be
    stationary, but otherwise return to Quebec. Nothing could be
    more provoking and inconvenient than this arrangement. Unless
    I take up every thing with me, I shall be miserably off, for
    nothing beyond eatables is to be had there; and in case I
    provide the requisites to make my abode in the winter in any
    way comfortable, and then be ordered back, the expense will be
    ruinous. But I must submit to all this without repining, and
    since I cannot get to Europe, I care little where I am placed.
    I have the most delightful garden imaginable, with abundance
    of melons and other good things, all which I must now desert.

    What am I to tell you from this out-of-the-way place. Your old
    friends of the 49th are well, but scattered in small
    detachments all over the country. They are justly great
    favorites at head quarters. I mentioned in a former letter my
    wish that, provided you could make it perfectly convenient,
    you would call upon Mrs. Manners, the wife of a captain of
    the 49th. I am satisfied that you would, after a short
    acquaintance, approve of her much--she is all goodness. By the
    last accounts they resided at Barnet.

    I have no doubt that Maria and Zelia (Potenger, his nieces)
    continue to conduct themselves in such a manner as to reward
    you amply for the unbounded kindness you have all along shewn
    them. If I am able in the fall to procure handsome skins for
    muffs worth their acceptance, I shall send some to the dear
    little girls: they ought, however, to write to me. There are
    few here brought up with the advantages they have received;
    indeed, the means for education are very limited for both
    sexes in this colony. Heaven preserve you. I shall probably
    begin my journey upwards in the course of a few days.

      *      *      *      *      *

Brigadier Brock accordingly proceeded to the Upper Province, Baron de
Rottenburg having replaced him at Quebec, and, with the exception of a
few months in 1811, during which he visited Lower Canada, he continued
in command of the troops there till his death, Lieut.-Governor Gore at
first administering the civil government.


_Colonel Baynes, the Adjutant-General, to Brigadier Brock, at Fort
George._

    QUEBEC, September 6, 1810.

    The Brigadier-General (Baron de Rottenburg) is Sir James'
    (Craig) senior in age by a year, but is still strong and
    active, and looks much younger. I am well pleased with the
    little I have seen of him, which by the bye is very little,
    for I only returned yesterday from Sorel. Mrs. de
    Rottenburg[27] has made a complete conquest of all hearts. She
    is in reality remarkably handsome, both in face and figure,
    and her manners uncommonly pleasing, graceful, and affable.
    There is, I fancy, a very great disparity of years. They both
    speak English very fluently, and with very little foreign
    accent. Sir James (Craig) is remarkably well: we celebrated
    the anniversary of his sixtieth year yesterday at a very
    pleasant party at Powell Place. Our general court martial is
    over, and will be published in orders to-morrow. A soldier,
    who was under sentence of death for desertion from the 101st
    regiment, and transferred to the 8th, and a Jonathan of the
    Canadians, who is considered a ringleader, are sentenced to be
    shot; the others, a dozen in number, are to be transported to
    serve for life in the African corps.


_Brigadier Brock to his Brothers._

    FORT GEORGE, Sept. 13, 1810.

    My good and dear friends,--I have been of late so much upon
    the move, that I had no thought of writing to you, and no
    letters of yours put me in mind that I should do so. Here I am
    stationed for some time, unless I succeed in the application I
    mean to make shortly for permission to visit England. At
    present Vincent, Glegg, and Williams, 49th, enliven this
    lonesome place. They are here as members of a general court
    martial, and are soon to depart, when I shall be left to my
    own reflections. Should I be so lucky as to obtain leave, I
    shall not commence my journey to New York until after
    Christmas. Baron de Rottenburg, a senior brigadier, has
    arrived at Quebec, where he remains. His presence
    unquestionably diminishes my prospects in this country, and I
    should stand evidently in my own light if I did not court
    fortune elsewhere.

    I have been as far as Detroit, a delightful country, far
    exceeding any thing I had seen on this continent.

    I have not had a letter from Europe since May, and wish you to
    write to me by way of New York. I avail myself of an
    unexpected passenger to scribble this in the presence of many
    of the court, who tell me it is time to resume our labours;
    therefore, my beloved brothers, adieu. I shall write again in
    a few days, viâ New York.


_Colonel Baynes to Brigadier Brock, at Fort George._

    QUEBEC, October 4, 1810.

    By yesterday's post, I was favored with your letter of the 23d
    ultimo. I regret that so much trouble should have been
    occasioned to so little purpose, the more so as I apprehend an
    example to be much called for in the 100th regiment. Murray
    seems sanguine that the regiment will go on better under his
    rule, and that he knows the men better. I hope his conjecture
    may prove well founded, but I fear they are too wild a set to
    thrive in Upper Canada.

    As I felt at a loss how to introduce the subject of your
    personal views and wishes, I gave Sir James your letter to
    read; it did not, however, draw from him any remark on those
    topics. I know that he is very strongly impressed with the
    necessity of having a person like yourself for some time in
    the Upper Province, that a scrutinizing eye may correct the
    errors and neglect that have crept in, and put all in order
    again; and, _in confidence between ourselves_, I do not think
    he would be more ready to part with you from that station, in
    consequence of the arrival of Colonel Murray, who is not at
    all to his taste, and has managed, by a most indiscreet and
    indecent conversation at his table, to blot himself out of his
    good opinion. The conversation was on the subject of Cobbett,
    and the colonel's the only dissenting voice, which he exerted
    with the more energy in proportion to the badness of his
    cause, and after defending him in a style and language highly
    indecorous, and reprehensible to be held at the table of the
    governor, he so completely forgot himself as to repeat and
    justify the very offensive and illiberal publications of
    Cobbett respecting the German troops and foreign officers,
    although sitting directly opposite to General de Rottenburg.
    Sir James, who was suffering extremely from the commencement
    of a very severe attack of illness, could contain himself no
    longer, and silenced Murray by a very severe but highly just
    rebuke. Rottenburg appeared much hurt, and said to me that he
    was very sorry to find that any officer, entrusted with the
    honor of commanding a corps, could take a pleasure in exposing
    such sentiments as he had heard from Colonel M. Colonel Kempt,
    who naturally feels much interested for his young cousin,
    (Mrs. Murray,) and who really deserves and merits it for her
    own sake, was much mortified and vexed at Murray's
    impropriety.[28]

    The charms of Mrs. de Rottenburg have not effaced you from the
    recollection of your friends, who very sincerely regret your
    absence.


_Lieut.-Colonel Thornton[29] (Military Secretary and first Aide-de-Camp)
to Brigadier Brock_.

    QUEBEC, October 4, 1810.

    I was yesterday favored with your letter of the 23d ultimo,
    and have not failed to communicate to Sir James your account
    and your charity towards the poor old fellow, formerly of the
    king's.[30] He has in consequence directed the allowance of
    the ration to be authorized and continued to him, for which
    purpose I must request his Christian name and the date of the
    first issue, but I am to remind you of the danger of
    establishing a precedent of this nature, and to request in the
    general's name that you will refrain as much as possible from
    indulging the natural benevolence of your disposition in this
    way, as he has hitherto resisted all applications of this
    sort.

    Your successor, as commandant of Quebec, is certainly much to
    be esteemed--a good kind of man, and devoted to his
    profession--but it is vanity in the extreme to attempt to
    describe the general admiration and estimation of his _cara et
    dolce sposa_: she is young, (twenty-three,) fair,
    beautiful,--lively, discreet, witty, affable,--in short, so
    engaging, or rather so fascinating, that neither the courier
    nor my paper will admit of my doing her justice; however, from
    what I have said it is necessary further to add and explain,
    that this is not my opinion alone but that of the public.

    Two hundred volunteers for Colonel Zouch, from other veteran
    battalions, have just arrived and landed: the regiment is to
    be completed in this manner to one thousand.


_Colonel Baynes to Brigadier Brock._

    QUEBEC, October 11, 1810.

    Sir James has conversed with me fully on the subject of your
    wish for leave, and prefaced it by declaring himself very
    desirous on his part to forward your views as far as he could
    do so with propriety, but that he had written in such strong
    terms, urging the necessity of a third general officer being
    kept constantly on the staff of the Canadas, and assigned as a
    principal reason the advantage of an officer of that rank
    being stationed in the Upper Province, that he does not
    conceive himself at liberty to overset an arrangement which he
    has been two years soliciting the means to carry into effect,
    and the absolute necessity of which he is highly impressed
    with. In reply to an observation of mine, that you regretted
    the inactive prospect before you, and looked with envy on
    those employed in Spain and Portugal, he said: "I make no
    doubt of it, but I can in no shape aid his plans in that
    respect; I would not, however, be the means of preventing
    them, and although from his local knowledge I should regret
    losing him in this country, yet I would not oppose it if he
    could obtain an appointment to the staff on service; but in
    that case I would ask for another general officer being seat
    in his place immediately to Upper Canada." I tell you this, my
    dear general, without reserve, and give you, as far as I can
    recollect, Sir James' words. If he liked you less, he might
    perhaps be more readily induced to let you go; as matters
    stand, I do not think he will, although I am convinced that he
    will feel very sincere regret in refusing you on a subject
    upon which you appear to be so anxious.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 22: In some book of Travels in Canada, Duncan's we think, it
is stated that the highest battery in Quebec is called Brock's Battery:
we know not whether it is that erected by Sir Isaac Brock.]

[Footnote 23: "The young and gallant" Captain Henry Lambert, mentioned
above, was mortally wounded in December, 1812, in command of H.M.S.
Java, when she was captured by the American frigate Constitution, of
greatly superior force.]

[Footnote 24: The present General Vincent, colonel of the 69th foot. He
was then major of the 49th.]

[Footnote 25: His niece.]

[Footnote 26: It has been remarked, that men with very small heads are
seldom clever, and certainly the Brocks of this family had large but
well shaped heads, with full foreheads.]

[Footnote 27: The mother of Lady William Paget.]

[Footnote 28: Whatever may have been Colonel Murray's indiscretion on
this occasion, he proved himself one of the most gallant and
enterprising officers in Canada during the war, and particularly
distinguished himself in the assault and capture of Fort Niagara, in
December, 1813, where he was severely wounded. If Colonel Murray admired
Cobbett's writings he was not singular, as he was perhaps the most
forcible political writer in the English language.]

[Footnote 29: Afterwards Lieut.-General Sir William Thornton, K.C.B.,
&c.]

[Footnote 30: Sir Isaac Brock was several years in the 8th regiment, but
this old man had probably served with his brother, Lieut.-Colonel John
Brock, who was many years in the 8th, in Upper Canada.]




CHAPTER IV.


_Brigadier Brock to Lieut.-Governor Gore_.

    FORT GEORGE, Jan. 6, 1811.

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

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

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


_Lieut.-Governor Gore to Brigadier Brock_.

    YORK, January 21, 1811.

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

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

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

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

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

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


_Brigadier Brock to his brother Irving._

    NIAGARA, January 10, 1811.

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

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

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

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

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


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

    QUEBEC, January 17, 1811.

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


_Colonel Baylies to Brigadier Brock, at Fort George_.

    QUEBEC, February 14, 1811.

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

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

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


_Brigadier Brock to his brother Irving_.

    NIAGARA, February 19, 1811.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


_Brigadier Brock to Sir James Craig, K. B_.

    NIAGARA, February 27, 1811.

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

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

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

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

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


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

    NIAGARA, March 4, 1811.

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

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

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

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

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


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

    QUEBEC, March 4, 1811.

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

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

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

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


_Colonel J.A. Vesey to Brigadier Brock._

    HAMPTON COURT PARK, April 9, 1811.

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

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


_Colonel Vesey to Brigadier Brock._

    HAMPTON COURT PARK, May 9, 1811.

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

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

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

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

FOOTNOTES:

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

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

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

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




CHAPTER V.


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


_Major-General Vesey to Major-General Brock_.

    PORTSMOUTH, June 10, 1811.

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

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


_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock, at Montreal_.

    QUEBEC, August 3, 1811.

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


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

    QUEBEC, August 12, 1811.

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

      *      *      *      *      *

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


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

    QUEBEC, August 31, 1811.

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


_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock_.

    QUEBEC, October 7, 1811.

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

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


_Lieut.-Colonel Torrens to Major-General Brock_.

    HORSE GUARDS, October 17, 1811.

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

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

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

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


_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock_.

    QUEBEC, November 21, 1811.

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

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

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


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

    YORK, December 2, 1811.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

    YORK, December 3, 1811.

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

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


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

    YORK, December 11, 1811.

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

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

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


_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock._

    QUEBEC, December 12, 1811.

    [OFFICIAL]

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

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

    [PRIVATE.]

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


_Sir George Prevost to Major-General Brock._

    QUEBEC, December 24, 1811.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOOTNOTES:

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Footnote 40: Miami affair.]

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

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




CHAPTER VI.


Our memoir having now reached the year 1812, in which the United States
of America declared war against Great Britain, we proceed to give a
brief review of the causes which led to that event; and in doing so it
will be necessary to go back to the commencement of the century.

The first president of America, the immortal Washington,[43] and his
successor, Adams, entertained friendly sentiments towards the British
government and people; but early in 1801, Jefferson succeeded the latter
functionary as president, being elected by ten of the sixteen states
then constituting the Union. Jefferson was as inimical to England as he
was favorable to France, so was his secretary of state, and successor in
the presidential chair, Madison. Although there were many intervenient
heart-burnings, it was not until the year 1807, when Jefferson was a
second time president, that the government of the United States assumed
a decidedly hostile attitude towards Great Britain. The Berlin decree,
in which the French ruler ventured to declare the British islands in a
state of blockade, and to interdict all neutrals from trading with the
British ports in any commodities whatever, produced fresh retaliatory
orders in council, intended to support England's maritime rights and
commerce, and to counteract Bonaparte's continental system. The Berlin
decree was a gross infringement of the law of nations and an outrage on
neutral rights, which especially called for resistance from the
Americans, a neutral and trading people; but they neither resisted nor
seriously remonstrated against it. Other causes of dispute arose from
the determination of the British government to exclude the Americans
from the blockaded ports of France, and from that inexhaustible source
of quarrel, the impressment of British seamen from American vessels,
especially as the difficulty of distinguishing British from American
seamen led occasionally to the impressment of American native born
citizens. In June, 1807, occurred the rencontre between his majesty's
ship Leopard and the Chesapeake, which terminated in the forcible
extraction from the American frigate of four deserters from British
ships of war. The British government instantly disavowed this act, and
recalled Vice-Admiral Berkeley, who had given the order to search the
Chesapeake. Jefferson, however, not only issued a proclamation
interdicting all British ships of war from entering the ports of the
United States, but proposed to congress to lay an embargo on American
vessels, and to compel the trading ships of every other nation to quit
the American harbours. This proposition was warmly opposed by the
federalists, or Washingtonians, but it was nevertheless adopted by large
majorities. Thus matters remained, with subsequent slight modifications,
from the month of December, 1807, to the declaration of war in 1812, an
interval which the commercial classes spent in a hopeless struggle
against bankruptcy and ruin. Attempts were not wanting on our part to
arrive at a friendly accommodation, but Jefferson demanded, as a
preliminary, the revocation of the British orders in council, and the
entire exemption of American ships from any search, or from any question
as to their crews or cargoes. The British government pledged itself to
repeal the orders in council as soon as the French decrees should cease
to exist. In 1809, Jefferson was succeeded as president by Madison, who
was compelled to yield somewhat to the popular outcry, and to repeal the
universal embargo substituting a non-intercourse act with England and
France, both which nations, it must be confessed, having by restraints
on their commerce given the Americans just grounds for dissatisfaction.
On the 23d June, 1812, the prince regent in council revoked the orders
in council as far as regarded America, with a proviso that the
revocation should be of no effect unless the United States rescinded
their non-intercourse act with England. It has been thought that the
revocation came too late, and that if it had been conceded a few weeks
earlier, there would have been no war with America; but Madison had
been treating with Bonaparte's government since the end of the year
1810, and the whole course of his conduct, with his evident desire to
illustrate his presidency by the conquest of Canada, proved his
determination to brave a war with England. He and his party nicely
calculated on which side the greater profit was to be obtained--whether
the United States would gain more by going to war with England than by
hostility against Bonaparte and his edicts. "Every thing in the United
States," says James in his naval history, "was to be settled by a
calculation of profit and loss. France had numerous allies--England
scarcely any. France had no contiguous territory; England had the
Canadas ready to be marched into at a moment's notice. France had no
commerce; England had richly-laden merchantmen traversing every sea.
England, therefore, it was against whom the death-blows of America were
to be levelled." The struggles of England against Napoleon enabled the
American government to choose its own time. On the 14th April, congress
laid an embargo on all ships and vessels of the United States during the
space of ninety days, with the view of lessening the number that would
be at the mercy of England when war was finally declared, and also of
manning efficiently their ships of war and privateers. By the end of May
their fastest merchant vessels were converted into cruisers, ready to
start at a short notice. On the 18th of June, before the revocation of
the orders in council was known in the United States, a declaration of
war was carried in the house of representatives by seventy-nine to
forty-nine votes, its supporters being chiefly from the western and
southern states to Pennsylvania inclusive, while the advocates for peace
were principally from the northern and eastern states.[44]


_Sir George Prevost to Major-General Brock_.

    QUEBEC, January 22, 1812.

    It is the opinion of the adjutant-general that you will not
    wish to avail yourself of the conditional leave of absence I
    have received authority to grant you. I shall hear with
    particular satisfaction that Baynes is not mistaken, as I
    value your services highly.

    If it be the disposition of government to employ Major-General
    Sheaffe, the death of Major-General Balfour, at Fredericton,
    and the absence of Major-General Wilder, affords the
    opportunity of doing so without depriving me of your
    assistance at this critical period of affairs.


_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock, at York._

    QUEBEC, January 23, 1812[45]

    Sir George Prevost has commissioned me to inform you that by
    the October mail, which arrived two days ago, he received a
    letter from the adjutant-general, authorizing him to permit
    your return to England for the purpose of being employed on
    the continent, and sanctioning his appointing Major-General
    Sheaffe to succeed you on the staff in Canada. But Sir George,
    viewing the intention of the commander-in-chief as instigated
    solely by a desire to promote your wishes and advantage, and
    having learnt from me that from the tenor of your recent
    correspondence I was led to believe that you would prefer
    retaining your present charge, he has directed me to inform
    you of the circumstance by a private letter, which will enable
    you to canvass the subject with more freedom than an official
    communication would admit of. Your decision to remain longer
    in Canada will be highly acceptable to him. Sheaffe, I have no
    doubt, will be very speedily provided for in this country,
    without depriving us of your services. Sir George has asked
    permission to appoint him in General Wilder's place, and there
    will be two vacancies in Nova Scotia to fill up in the spring.

    Sir George has great pleasure in acceding to your request to
    be permitted to nominate one or two ensigns to the Glengary
    Fencibles, and, if you wish, young Shaw may be immediately
    provided for in that corps, and afterwards transferred to the
    line.

    The cold here has been severer for the last eight days than
    has ever been recollected by the oldest inhabitant; the
    thermometer falling as low as 33 degrees under cipher,
    accompanied with high wind, and never rising during all that
    time above 15 degrees below--it is at this moment 20 degrees
    under cipher: fortunate you, that are in a milder climate, for
    we are suffering dreadfully from excessive cold. By your
    description of your pastime in shooting wild pigeons, you
    certainly possess a very great advantage over us in these
    respects. We have been much plagued with opthalmia, which has
    been very general in the king's regiment, and the severe cold
    does not prevent the contagion.

      *      *      *      *      *

On the 4th February, 1812, Major-General Brock, accompanied by a
numerous suite, opened the session of the legislature at York with the
following speech to the legislative council and the house of assembly:

    "Honorable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, and Gentlemen
    of the House of Assembly.

    "I should derive the utmost satisfaction, the first time of my
    addressing you, were it permitted me to direct your attention
    solely to such objects as tended to promote the peace and
    prosperity of this province.

    "The glorious contest in which the British empire is engaged,
    and the vast sacrifice which Great Britain nobly offers to
    secure the independence of other nations, might be expected to
    stifle every feeling of envy and jealousy, and at the same
    time to excite the interest and command the admiration of a
    free people; but, regardless of such generous impressions, the
    American government evinces a disposition calculated to impede
    and divide her efforts.

    "England is not only interdicted the harbours of the United
    States, while they afford a shelter to the cruisers of her
    inveterate enemy, but she is likewise required to resign
    those maritime rights which she has so long exercised and
    enjoyed. Insulting threats are offered, and hostile
    preparations actually commenced; and though not without hope
    that cool reflection and the dictates of justice may yet avert
    the calamities of war, I cannot, under every view of the
    relative situation of the province, be too urgent in
    recommending to your early attention the adoption of such
    measures as will best secure the internal peace of the
    country, and defeat every hostile aggression.

    "Principally composed of the sons of a loyal and brave band of
    veterans, the militia, I am confident, stand in need of
    nothing but the necessary legislative provisions, to direct
    their ardour in the acquirement of military instruction, to
    form a most efficient force.

    "The growing prosperity of these provinces, it is manifest,
    begins to awaken a spirit of envy and ambition. The
    acknowledged importance of this colony to the parent state
    will secure the continuance of her powerful protection. Her
    fostering care has been the first cause, under Providence, of
    the uninterrupted happiness you have so long enjoyed. Your
    industry has been liberally rewarded, and you have in
    consequence risen to opulence.

    "These interesting truths are not uttered to animate your
    patriotism, but to dispel any apprehension which you may have
    imbibed of the possibility of England forsaking you; for you
    must be sensible that if once bereft of her support, if once
    deprived of the advantages which her commerce and the supply
    of her most essential wants give you, this colony, from its
    geographical position, must inevitably sink into comparative
    poverty and insignificance.

    "But Heaven will look favorably on the manly exertions which
    the loyal and virtuous inhabitants of this happy land are
    prepared to make, to avert such a dire calamity.

    "Our gracious prince, who so gloriously upholds the dignity
    of the empire, already appreciates your merit, and it will be
    your first care to establish, by the course of your actions,
    the just claim of the country to the protection of his royal
    highness.

    "I cannot deny myself the satisfaction of announcing to you
    from this place, the munificent intention of his royal
    highness the prince regent, who has been graciously pleased to
    signify that a grant of £100 per annum will be proposed in the
    annual estimates, for every future missionary of the Gospel,
    sent from England, who may have faithfully discharged, for the
    term of ten years, the duties of his station in this province.

    "Gentlemen of the House of Assembly,

    "I have no doubt but that, with me, you are convinced of the
    necessity of a regular system of military instruction to the
    militia of this province;--on this salutary precaution, in the
    event of a war, our future safety will greatly depend, and I
    doubt not but that you will cheerfully lend your aid, to
    enable me to defray the expense of carrying into effect a
    measure so conducive to our security and defence.

    "I have ordered the public accounts to be laid before you, and
    have no doubt but that you will consider them with that
    attention which the nature of the subject may require.

    "Honorable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen
    of the House of Assembly,

    "I have, without reserve, communicated to you what has
    occurred to me on the existing circumstances of this province.
    We wish and hope for peace, but it is nevertheless our duty to
    be prepared for war.

    "The task imposed on you, on the present occasion, is arduous;
    this task, however, I hope and trust, laying aside every
    consideration but that of the public good, you will perform
    with that firmness, discretion, and promptitude, which a
    regard to yourselves, your families, your country, and your
    king, call for at your hands.

    "As for myself, it shall be my utmost endeavour to co-operate
    with you in promoting such measures as may best contribute to
    the security and to the prosperity of this province."

The addresses of the provincial parliament in reply were highly
satisfactory, and in answer Major-General Brock observed:

    "The congratulations offered upon my appointment to the
    honorable station I hold in this province, and the confidence
    you so early repose in me, are, be assured, received with
    pride and heartfelt satisfaction.

    "Impressed with the assurance of your support, I feel a most
    perfect reliance that the exertions of this province will be
    found equal to meet every emergency of this important crisis."

      *      *      *      *      *

The conclusion of the following letter is descriptive of Major-General
Brock's views and intentions in the probable event of a war ensuing
between Great Britain and the United States, and which a few months
afterwards he carried into effect with a success that must have exceeded
his most sanguine expectations.


_Major-General Brock to Colonel Baynes, the Adj.-General._

    YORK, February 12, 1812.

    The assurance which I gave, in my speech at the opening of the
    legislature, of England co-operating in the defence of this
    province, has infused the utmost confidence; and I have reason
    at this moment to look for the acquiescence of the two houses
    to every measure I may think necessary to recommend for the
    peace and defence of the country. A spirit has manifested
    itself, little expected by those who conceived themselves the
    best qualified to judge of the disposition of the members of
    the house of assembly. The most powerful opponents to Governor
    Gore's administration take the lead on the present occasion.
    I, of course, do not think it expedient to damp the ardour
    displayed by these once doubtful characters. Some opposed Mr.
    Gore evidently from personal motives, but never forfeit

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