The Life and Correspondence of Sir Isaac Brock by Ferdinand Brock Tupper

F >> Ferdinand Brock Tupper >> The Life and Correspondence of Sir Isaac Brock

Pages:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30

(_The Body of Lieut.-Colonel M'Donell, P.A.D.C._)

Capt. A. Cameron. Lieut. Jarvis.

Lieut. Robinson. Lieut. Ridout.

J. Edwards, Esq. Capt. Crooks.

Supporter, Supporter,
Mr. Dickson. Captain Cameron.

Chief Mourner,
Mr. M'Donell.

(_The Body of Major-General Brock._)

Supporter, Supporter,
Mr. James Coffin, D.A.C.G. Captain Williams, 49th Regt.

Capt. Vigoreaux, R.E. Major Merritt, L.H. Lin. Mil.

Capt. Derenzy, 41st Regt. Lieut.-Col. Clark, Lin. Mil.

Capt. Dennis, 49th Regt. Lieut.-Col. Butler.

Capt. Holcroft, R.A. Colonel Claus,

Supporter, Supporter,
Brigade-Major Evans. Captain Glegg, A.D.C.

Chief Mourners.
Major-General Sheaffe. Lieut.-Colonel Myers, D.Q.M.G.
Ensign Coffin, A.D.C. Lieut. Fowler, A.D.Q.M.G.
The Civil Staff.
Friends of the Deceased.
Inhabitants.[103]

Such was the esteem in which Sir Isaac Brock was held by the enemies of
his country, for he had or could have no personal enemies, that
Major-General Van Rensselaer, in a letter of condolence, informed
Major-General Sheaffe that immediately after the funeral solemnities
were over on the British side, a compliment of minute guns would be paid
to the hero's memory on theirs!!! Accordingly, the cannon at Fort
Niagara were fired, "as a mark of respect due to a brave enemy." How
much is it then to be regretted that we should ever come into collision
with those who possess the same origin and the same language as
ourselves, and who, by this generous feeling and conduct, proved that
they are a liberal, as they undoubtedly are a gallant, people; and may
the future rivalry of both powers be, not for the unnatural destruction
of each other, but for the benefit of mankind. No words can better
express the favorable opinion entertained by the Americans of the
deceased than the language of their president, Madison, who, alluding to
the battle of Queenstown in his annual message to congress, observed:
"Our loss has been considerable, and is deeply to be lamented. That of
the enemy, less ascertained, will be the more felt, as it includes
amongst the killed the commanding general, who was also the governor of
the province."

Ere we proceed to delineate the person and character of this able
soldier and excellent man, we shall transcribe the sketches of two
strangers,[104] lest the portrait of a relative should be deemed too
highly coloured. That portrait has been drawn by them with a master
hand, especially the first; and although feelingly alive to our
incompetency for the task, we also must endeavour, with a trembling pen,
to do justice to the memory of the hero.

"Thus ended in their total discomfiture," says Christie in his
Historical Memoirs, already cited, "the second attempt of the Americans
to invade Upper Canada. The loss of the British is said to have been
about 20 killed, including Indians, and between 50 and 60 wounded. The
fall of General Brock, the idol of the army and of the people of Upper
Canada, was an irreparable loss, and cast a shade over the glory of this
dear-bought victory. He was a native of Guernsey, of an ancient and
reputable family, distinguished in the profession of arms. He had served
for many years in Canada, and in some of the principal campaigns in
Europe. He commanded a detachment of his favorite 49th regiment, on the
expedition to Copenhagen with Lord Nelson, where he distinguished
himself. He was one of those extraordinary men who seem born to
influence mankind, and mark the age in which they live. Conscious of the
ascendancy of his genius over those who surrounded him, he blended the
mildest of manners with the severity and discipline of a camp; and
though his deportment was somewhat grave and imposing, the noble
frankness of his character imparted at once confidence and respect to
those who had occasion to approach his person. As a soldier, he was
brave to a fault, and not less judicious than decisive in his measures.
The energy of his character was strongly expressed in his countenance,
and in the robust and manly symmetry of his frame. As a civil governor,
he was firm, prudent, and equitable. In fine, whether we view him as a
man, a statesman, or a soldier, he equally deserves the esteem and
respect of his contemporaries and of posterity. The Indians who flocked
to his standard were attached to him with almost enthusiastic affection,
and the enemy even expressed an involuntary regret at his untimely fall.
His prodigality of life bereft the country of his services at the early
age of forty-two years. The remains of this gallant officer were, during
the funeral service, honored with a discharge of minute guns from the
American, as well as the British, batteries, and with those of his
faithful aide-de-camp, Lieut.-Colonel M'Donell, were interred in the
same grave at Fort George, on the 16th October, amidst the tears of an
affectionate soldiery and a grateful people, who will cherish his memory
with veneration, and hand to their posterity the imperishable name of
BROCK."

"General Brock was killed at the battle of Queenstown heights," observes
Howison in his Sketches of Upper Canada, "and the place where he fell
was pointed out to me. The Canadians hold the memory of this brave and
excellent man in great veneration, but have not yet attempted to
testify their respect for his virtues in any way, except by shewing to
strangers the spot on which he received his mortal wound. He was more
popular, and more beloved by the inhabitants of Upper Canada, than any
man they ever had among them, and with reason; for he possessed, in an
eminent degree, those virtues which add lustre to bravery, and those
talents that shine alike in the cabinet and in the field. His manners
and dispositions were so conciliating as to gain the affection of all
whom he commanded, while his innate nobleness and dignity of mind
secured him a respect almost amounting to veneration. He is now styled
the Hero of Upper Canada, and, had he lived, there is no doubt but the
war would have terminated very differently from what it did. The
Canadian farmers are not over-burthened with sensibility, yet I have
seen several of them shed tears when an eulogium was pronounced upon the
immortal and generous-minded deliverer of their country.

"General Brock was killed close to the road that leads through
Queenstown village, and an aged thorn bush now marks the place where he
fell, when the fatal ball entered his vitals. This spot may be called
classic ground, for a view of it must awaken in the minds of all those
who duly appreciate the greatness of his character, and are acquainted
with the nature of his resources and exertions, feelings as warm and
enthusiastic as the contemplation of monuments consecrated by antiquity
can ever do."

Nature had been very bountiful to Sir Isaac Brock in those personal
gifts which appear to such peculiar advantage in the army, and at the
first glance the soldier and the gentleman were seen. In stature he was
tall,[105] erect, athletic, and well proportioned, although in his
latter years his figure was perhaps too portly; and when a young man, at
the head of his company of grenadiers, he attracted general observation
by his martial presence. His fine and benevolent countenance was a
perfect index of his mind, and his manners were courteous, frank, and
engaging. Brave, liberal, and humane; devoted to his sovereign, and
loving his country with romantic fondness; in command so gentle and
persuasive, yet so firm, that he possessed the rare faculty of acquiring
both the respect and the attachment of all who served under him. When
urged by some friends, shortly before his death, to be more careful of
his person, he replied: "How can I expect my men to go where I am afraid
to lead them;" and although perhaps his anxiety ever to shew a good
example, by being foremost in danger, induced him to expose himself more
than strict prudence or formality warranted, yet, if he erred on this
point, his error was that of a soldier.[106] Elevated to the government
of Upper Canada, he reclaimed many of the disaffected by mildness, and
fixed the wavering by the argument of success; and having no national
partialities to gratify, that rock on which so many provincial governors
have split, he meted equal favor and justice to all, British born
subjects soon felt convinced that with him their religion or their
birth-place was no obstacle to their advancement. Even over the minds of
the Indians Sir Isaac Brock gained, at and after the capture of Detroit,
an ascendancy altogether unexampled, and which he judiciously exercised
for purposes conducive equally to the cause of humanity and to the
interests of his country. He engaged them to throw aside the scalping
knife, implanted in their breasts the virtues of clemency and
forbearance, and taught them to feel pleasure and pride in the
compassion extended to a vanquished enemy. In return they revered him as
their common father, and while under his command were guilty of no
excesses.[107] It is well known that this untutored people, the children
of the forests, value personal much more highly than mental qualities,
but the union of both in their leader was happily calculated to impress
their haughty and masculine minds with respect and admiration; and the
speech delivered by Tecumseh, after the capture of Detroit, is
illustrative of the sentiments with which he had inspired these warlike
tribes. "I have heard," observed that chief to him, "much of your fame,
and am happy again to shake by the hand a brave brother warrior. The
Americans endeavour to give us a mean opinion of British generals, but
we have been the witnesses of your valour. In crossing the river to
attack the enemy, we observed you from a distance standing the whole
time in an erect posture, and, when the boats reached the shore, you
were among the first who jumped on land. Your bold and sudden movements
frightened the enemy, and you compelled them to surrender to half their
own force."

Of all the good qualities which adorned this accomplished soldier none
was more prominent than his decision, and it was ever under the guidance
of a sound judgment. His strong attachment to the service, and
particularly to his regiment, formed another distinguishing feature in
his character. A very gallant officer, who still survives, is not
ashamed to confess his pecuniary obligations to Colonel Brock while he
was a subaltern in the 49th, and rendered, as he states, doubly valuable
by the manner in which assistance was afforded to him in his
difficulties. When, as Colonel Brock, he had secured the ringleaders of
the intended mutiny at Fort George, as related in the second chapter, he
ordered the detachment to the parade, where he proceeded to address them
on the enormity of their offence; but when he began to express his
grief and shame at their conduct, he was so affected as to be utterly
unable to continue. The men were equally moved, and are said to have
exclaimed: "Had you commanded us, Sir, this never would have occurred."
Indeed, there was a correspondence of regard between him and his
officers, and even the non-commissioned officers and privates, that,
with this solitary exception, produced the picture of a happy family.
Those extremities of punishment, which the exactions of discipline will
sometimes occasion, rarely reached his men. And yet shortly before he
succeeded to the command of the regiment, it was in a sad state of
disorganization, from the causes already explained. (Page 7.) During the
mutiny on board the fleet at the Nore, in May, 1797, the 49th was
quartered on the borders of the river Thames; and as the privates
evidently sympathized with the seamen, Major Brock not only seldom went
to bed till nearly daylight, but slept with loaded pistols, while during
the day he frequently visited the mess-rooms, to tear down or erase such
inscriptions as "The Navy for Ever." But soon after he became the
lieutenant-colonel, by happily blending conciliation with firmness, and
bringing to a court martial two or three officers, whose misconduct
could not be overlooked, he quickly restored the discipline of the
corps. Having effected this, he afterwards governed it by that sentiment
of esteem which he himself had created, and the consolation was given
him to terminate a brief but brilliant course in the midst of his
professional family.[108]

It deserves to be recorded as an instance of good fortune, unprecedented
perhaps in military annals, and especially in a country where the
advantage and facility of escape were so great, that from the 6th of
August, the day on which Major-General Brock left York for Detroit, to
the period immediately preceding the battle of Queenstown, the force
under his personal command suffered no diminution in its numbers either
by desertion, natural death, or the sword. This comprehended a period of
nearly ten weeks, during which an army was captured, and a journey of
several hundred miles, by land and water, accomplished with extreme
rapidity.

In compiling this memoir, we have been much struck with the rapidity of
Major-General Brock's movements: he appears to have been everywhere,
and, as Veritas observed of him, to have "flown, as it were." To-day at
York, engaged in his civil and military duties--to-morrow at Fort
George, superintending the defences of the Niagara frontier, or at
Kingston, reviewing and animating the militia. To-day at Fort George,
watching the enemy--the next at York, dissolving the legislature--and a
fortnight after, on his return from the capture of Detroit! To-day at
Fort George again--a few hours after at Fort Erie, endeavouring to
retake the brigs Detroit and Caledonia. And yet this most active and
energetic officer was compelled, by his _defensive_ instructions, tamely
to look on the _offensive_ preparations of the Americans for the
invasion of the province committed to his charge!

In conclusion, it is due to the memory of this excellent man to declare
that, eminent and undisputed as were his public virtues, he was no less
estimable in private life. In his own family he was the object of the
warmest affection, and his servants carefully preserved relics of their
dear master, as they styled him to their dying day. His cares and
anxieties had no reference to the wealth he should amass, but to the sum
of human misery he might relieve; and towards the close of his brief
career, as the prospect of increasing honors and emoluments opened to
his view, he contemplated his good fortune only as the means of
diffusing felicity, of drying the tear of affliction. Indeed, so totally
devoid was he of every mercenary consideration, that although he enjoyed
an ample income from his appointments,[109] by which at least the
purchase of his commissions might have been repaid, yet he left
literally nothing but his fair name behind him. Some of his nearest
relatives have since been cut off more prematurely, and far more
cruelly, than himself; but those who still survive him possess the
never-failing consolation which arises from the remembrance of his
virtues, and from the reflection that, though his blessed spirit fled
early from this world, they may meet again in the mansions of futurity.

Though the dead heed not human praise, yet the living act wisely in
commemorating the fall of a distinguished chief--the example is never
thrown away--and on this occasion it is gratifying to reflect, that
every posthumous honor was paid to the memory of one who had merited the
distinction so well. A public monument,[110] having been decreed by the
imperial parliament, was raised a few years since in St. Paul's, and a
view of it is said to have awakened in an astonished Indian more
surprise and admiration than any thing he witnessed in England.[111] In
consequence of an address[112] from the commons of Upper Canada to the
prince regent, a munificent grant of 12,000 acres of land in that
province was bestowed on the four surviving brothers of Sir Isaac Brock,
who, in addition, were allowed a pension of L200 a year for life, by a
vote of the imperial parliament. To "the hero of Upper Canada," as he is
still termed in that country, the provincial legislature erected a lofty
column[113] on Queenstown heights, to which his remains, and those of
his gallant aide-de-camp, were removed from Fort George in solemn
procession, on the 13th of October, 1824.[114] Although twelve years had
elapsed since the interment, the body of the general had undergone
little change, his features being nearly perfect and easily recognized,
while that of Lieut.-Colonel M'Donell was in a complete mass of
decomposition. One of his regimental companions, Colonel Fitzgibbon, in
transmitting a detail of the ceremonies of the day, thus pathetically
expressed himself: "Nothing, certainly, could exceed the interest
manifested by the people of the province upon the occasion; and numbers
from the neighbouring state of New York, by their presence and conduct,
proved how highly the Americans revere the memory of our lamented chief.
Of the thousands present not one had cause to feel so deeply as I, and I
felt as if alone, although surrounded by the multitude. He had been more
than a father to me in that regiment which he ruled like a father, and I
alone of his old friends in that regiment was present to embalm with a
tear his last honored retreat. What I witnessed on this day would have
fully confirmed me in the opinion, had confirmation been wanting, that
the public feeling in this province has been permanently improved and
elevated by Sir Isaac Brock's conduct and actions while governing its
inhabitants. These, together with his dying in their defence, have done
more towards cementing our union with the mother country than any event
or circumstance since the existence of the province. Of this our leading
men are aware, and are careful to seize every opportunity of preserving
recollections so productive of good effects." The height of the
column,[115] which commanded a view of the surrounding country for about
fifty miles, was from the base to the summit 135 feet, and from the
level of the Niagara river, which runs nearly under it, 485 feet. The
following inscription was engraven on this splendid tribute to the
unfading remembrance of a grateful people:[116]

UPPER CANADA
HAS DEDICATED THIS MONUMENT
TO THE MEMORY OF THE LATE
MAJOR-GENERAL SIR ISAAC BROCK, K.B.
PROVISIONAL LIEUT.-GOVERNOR AND COMMANDER OF THE FORCES
IN THIS PROVINCE,
WHOSE REMAINS ARE DEPOSITED IN THE VAULT BENEATH.
OPPOSING THE INVADING ENEMY,
HE FELL IN ACTION NEAR THESE HEIGHTS,
ON THE 13th OCTOBER, 1812,
IN THE 43rd YEAR OF HIS AGE,
REVERED AND LAMENTED
BY THE PEOPLE WHOM HE GOVERNED,
AND DEPLORED BY THE SOVEREIGN
TO WHOSE SERVICE HIS LIFE HAD BEEN DEVOTED.

The cataract of Niagara is supposed to have commenced on the heights of
Queenstown, and to have gradually receded, or worn its way backwards to
its present site, seven miles above, near Chippewa, the banks of the
river on both sides between the two spots being perpendicular, 2 to 300
feet in height, chiefly of solid rock, and of the same level as the
fall.

"The village of Queenstown is beautifully situated at the foot of a
hill, and upon the side of the Niagara river, the bank of which is high
and precipitous. The imagination is agreeably struck with the first view
of the place. On one side of the village is a mountain covered with
shrubbery and verdure;--behind, a rich and cultivated plain extends
backwards, which is bounded in every direction by luxuriant woods; while
in front, the Niagara river glides in majestic stillness, and may be
traced, with all its windings, till its waters are swallowed up in the
vast expanse of Lake Ontario. The soil around Queenstown consists
chiefly of a red clay, the bright colour of which, upon the roads and
declivities where it is exposed, forms a singular contrast, during
summer, with the pure green of the trees and fields in the vicinity.

"Queenstown must infallibly acquire magnitude and importance when the
province becomes populous and flourishing, for it is situated at the
commencement of a portage, which never can be evaded by any improvement
in the navigation, it being rendered necessary by the falls of Niagara;
therefore, all vessels containing goods and stores destined for the
western parts of Upper Canada must unload and leave their cargoes at
Queenstown, that they may be conveyed overland to Chippewa, where the
Niagara river again becomes navigable. Even now, a good deal of this
carrying business goes on during the summer months. The North-West
Company forward a considerable quantity of stores to the Indian
territories by this route, and the country merchants receive annual
supplies of goods from Montreal, and send down pork, flour, staves, and
potash, in return.

"The environs of Queenstown are beautifully picturesque and romantic,
and nothing can be finer than the prospect up the Niagara river.
Immediately above the village its channel narrows very much, and the
banks rise to the height of 300 feet perpendicular, while at the same
time they become wild and rocky, and are thickly covered with trees of
various kinds. In some places they partly over-arch the river, and throw
an appalling gloom upon its waters, now dashed into turbulence and
impetuosity by the ruggedness of their sloping bed.

"At the ferry, the Niagara river is 1,250 feet in breadth, and from 2 to
300 in depth. The current is very rapid, and the wreathing and perturbed
appearance of the water shews that its course is much impeded by the
narrowness of the channel, which must be entirely composed of rocks;
for, otherwise, the continual and rapid attrition of such a large river
as that which flows through it, would undermine and wear away the
banks, and thus gradually enlarge and widen its course.

"The prospect from the top of Queenstown mountain is the finest and most
extensive that Upper Canada affords, and, in an eminent degree, combines
the beautiful and the magnificent. The wild and majestic precipices
which engulf one part of the Niagara river, the windings and mirrored
expanse of that noble body of water, the dim and undiscoverable extent
of Lake Ontario, together with the verdant orchards, thick forests, and
improved fields, glowing beneath a pure sky, collectively form a scene
of admirable effect and composition. Even York, which is 36 miles
distant, and lies very low, can be seen from the summit of this hill
during clear weather."[117]

* * * * *

ON THE DEATH OF MAJOR-GENERAL BROCK.

Low bending o'er the rugged bier
The soldier drops the mournful tear,
For life departed, valour driven,
Fresh from the field of death to heaven.

But time shall fondly trace the name
Of BROCK upon the scrolls of fame,
And those bright laurels, which should wave
Upon the brow of one so brave,
Shall flourish vernal o'er his grave.

J.H.R.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 95: James' Military Occurrences.]

[Footnote 96: The present Colonel James Dennis, lieut.-colonel 3d foot:
an officer of above forty-eight years service, and several times
wounded.]

[Footnote 97: See Captain Wool's letter, Appendix A, Section 2, No. 3.]

[Footnote 98: Major-General Brock, soon after his arrival at Queenstown,
sent orders for the battering from Fort George of the American fort
Niagara, which was done with so much effect that the garrison was forced
to abandon it.]

[Footnote 99: Death and Victory: a sermon under this title was preached
by the Rev. William Smart, at Brockville, Elizabethtown, November 15, on
the death of Major-General Brock, and published at the request of the
officers stationed at that post and of the gentlemen of the village. The
text was: "How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle."]

[Footnote 100: James' Military Occurrences.]

[Footnote 101: The mountain above Queenstown, where Major-General Brock
was slain.]

[Footnote 102: _Extract from D.G.O. for the Funeral_.
The officers will wear crape on their left arms and on their
sword knots, and all officers will, throughout the province,
wear crape on their left arm for the space of one month.

Captain Holcroft will be pleased to direct that minute guns be
fired from the period of the bodies leaving government house
until their arrival at the place of interment; and also, after
the funeral service shall have been performed, three rounds of
seven guns from the artillery. By order. THOMAS EVANS, B.M.
]

[Footnote 103: Extracted from the York Gazette, October 24, 1812.]

[Footnote 104: For brief extracts relative to Sir Isaac Brock from other
authors, see Appendix A, Section 1, No. 5.]

Pages:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30