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

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_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 L100 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 forfeited the
right of being numbered among the most loyal. Few, very few I
believe, were actuated by base or unworthy considerations,
however mistaken they may have been on various occasions.
Their character will very soon be put to a severe test. The
measures which I intend to propose are:

1.--A militia supplementary act. Sir George will hear the
outlines from Captain Gray.

2.--The suspension of the habeas corpus. A copy of the act now
enforced in the Lower Province.

3.--An alien law.

4.--The offer of a reward for the better apprehension of
deserters.

If I succeed in all this, I shall claim some praise; but I am
not without my fears. I shall send you the militia act the
moment it passes into a law. The more I consider the new
provisions, the more I am satisfied (giving of course every
proper allowance to the disposition of the people) they are
peculiarly calculated to meet the local situation of the
country. I have not a musket more than will suffice to arm the
active part of the militia from Kingston westward. I have
therefore to request that the number of arms may be sent,
according to the enclosed requisition, to the places therein
specified, on the communication between Glengary and Kingston.
Every man capable of carrying a musket, along the whole of
that line, ought to be prepared to act. The members of the
assembly from that part of the country are particularly
anxious that some works may be thrown up as a rallying point
and place of security for stores, &c, in the vicinity of
Johnstown. I shall request Colonel M'Donnell to examine, on
his return, the ground which those gentlemen recommend as best
suited for that purpose. Being immediately opposite
Ozwegatchie, some precaution of the sort is indispensable,
were it only to preserve a free communication between the two
provinces. I have been made to expect the able assistance of
Captain Marlow. Should he be still at Quebec, have the
goodness to direct his attention, on his way up, to that
quarter. He had better consult. Colonel Frazer and Captain
Gilkinson, men of sound judgment and well acquainted with the
country. The militia will have of course to be employed on the
works.

I must still press the necessity of an active, enterprizing,
intelligent commander being stationed on that important line
of communication. I wish Colonel Ellice[46] were here to
undertake the arduous task, as it is wholly impossible that I
can do so. Every assistance in my civil capacity I shall
always be ready to give, and to that point my exertions must
be necessarily limited. Niagara and Amherstburg will
sufficiently occupy my attention. I deliver my sentiments
freely, believing they will not be the less acceptable.

I discussed every point connected with Amherstburg so
completely with Captain Gray, that I do not find any thing
very essential was omitted. Colonel M'Donnell will be able
probably to give us further insight as to the actual state of
affairs there. He was to make every enquiry and, as far as he
was permitted, to judge himself of the relative strength of
Detroit. Lieut.-Colonel---- preceded him by some days, but in
such state of mind that forbids my placing any dependance in
his exertions. When I first mentioned my intention of sending
him to Amherstburg, he seemed diffident of his abilities, but
pleased at the distinction. However, when he received his
final instructions, his conduct in the presence of some
officers was so very improper, and otherwise so childish, that
I have since written to say, if he continued in the same
disposition, he was at liberty to return to Niagara. I did not
directly order him back, because at this time I consider an
officer of rank necessary at Amherstburg, particularly during
the absence of Messrs. Elliott and Baby, who are both here
attending their parliamentary duties. You will imagine, after
what I have stated, that it is the influence of his rank I
alone covet, and not his personal aid. He has very fortunately
given timely proof that he is in no way ambitious of military
fame, therefore unfit for so important a command. Should it
please his excellency to place the 41st and 49th at my
disposal, I propose sending the former regiment to
Amherstburg, as we cannot be too strong in that quarter. I
have already explained myself on that point, and Captain Gray
is furnished with further arguments in support of the measure.
I have delayed to the last the mention of a project which I
consider of the utmost consequence in the event of
hostilities. I set out with declaring my full conviction, that
unless Detroit and Michilimakinack be both in our possession
immediately at the commencement of hostilities, not only the
district of Amherstburg, but most probably the whole country
as far as Kingston, must be evacuated. How necessary,
therefore, to provide effectually the means of their capture.
From Amherstburg it will be impossible to send a force to
reduce Michilimakinack. Unless we occupy completely both
banks, no vessel could pass the river St. Clair. What I
therefore presume to suggest for his excellency's
consideration, is the adoption of a project which Sir James
Craig contemplated three years ago. The north-west company
undertook to transport 50 or 60 men up the Ottawa, and I make
no doubt would engage again to perform the same service. If
therefore a war be likely to occur, at the time the canoes
start from Montreal, I should recommend 40 or 50 of the 49th
light company, and a small detachment of artillery, embarking
at the same time for St. Joseph's. Should hostilities
commence, the north-west would not object to join their
strength in the reduction of Michilimakinack; and should peace
succeed the present wrangling, the 49th detachment could be
easily removed to Amherstburg.

_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock_.

QUEBEC, February 20, 1812.

Captain M'Donnell has not clearly understood the purport of
his mission to Upper Canada, and the general regrets that he
should have proceeded the length he has done without having
previously received your advice and instructions, to obtain
which was the chief object of his visit to York. It is to be
hoped, however, that sufficient patronage still remains open
to meet your wishes, as the appointment of three of General
Shaw's sons may be considered, from the sentiments of
friendship and regard you have testified for that officer, to
be almost equivalent to anticipating your own choice of them.
And Sir George has directed me to inform you, that he readily
accepts of your proposal to recruit two companies, to be added
to the Glengary Fencibles; the nomination of the officers,
viz. two captains, two lieutenants, and two ensigns, to rest
entirely with you. The general has approved of the following
quotas of men for the respective ranks: captains 30,
lieutenants 15, and ensigns 20; the commissions to be issued
on completing the quota, and such as complete their proportion
quickest, or exceed in extra number of recruits, will have
priority in regimental rank. I am not aware that Sir George
purposes nominating a lieutenant-colonel; but I am sure that
you will not feel less disposed to promote the formation of
this corps, when I inform you that it is his intention to
recommend me to the commander-in-chief for the appointment of
colonel.

_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock_.

QUEBEC, February 22, 1812.

Sir George is much pleased with the favorable account Captain
Gray has given him of your proceedings. Your speech is highly
approved of here, and we shall rejoice to find our house
following so laudable an example as your commons have shewn
them: but I am not sanguine; they have already commenced with
great illiberality and violence to vent their spleen and
resentment against Sir James (Craig) in votes of censure, and
I fancy Sir George, with all his amiable, conciliatory
mariners, will hardly succeed in keeping them within bounds.

_Major-General Brock to Sir George Prevost_.

YORK, February--, 1812.

I cannot permit Colonel M'Donnell to return home without
giving your excellency a short account of our proceedings
here.

I had every reason to expect the almost unanimous support of
the two houses of the legislature to every measure the
government thought it necessary to recommend; but after a
short trial, I found myself egregiously mistaken in my
calculations.

The many doubtful characters in the militia made me anxious to
introduce the oath of abjuration into the bill: there were
twenty members in the house, when this highly important
measure was lost by the casting voice of the chairman.

The great influence which the numerous settlers from the
United States possess over the decisions of the lower house is
truly alarming, and ought immediately, by every practical
means, to be diminished. To give encouragement to real
subjects to settle in this province, can alone remove the
evil. The consideration of the fees should not stand in the
way of such a politic arrangement; and should your excellency
ultimately determine to promise some of the waste lands of the
crown to such Scotch emigrants as enlist in the Glengary
Fencibles, I have no hesitation in recommending, in the
strongest manner, the raising of a Canadian corps upon similar
offers, to be hereafter disbanded and distributed among their
countrymen in the vicinity of Amherstburg. Colonel M'Donnell
being in full possession of my sentiments on this subject, I
beg leave to refer your excellency to him for further
information.

The bill for the suspension of the habeas corpus, I regret to
say, was likewise lost by a very trifling majority. A strong
sentiment now prevails that war is not likely to occur with
the United States, which, I believe, tended to influence the
votes of the members; I mean of such who, though honest, are
by their ignorance easily betrayed into error.

The low ebb of their finances appears to stagger the most
desperate democrats in the States, and may possibly delay the
commencement of direct hostilities; but should France and
England continue the contest much longer, it appears to me
absolutely impossible for the United States to avoid making
their election; and the unfriendly disposition they have for
some years past evinced towards England, leaves little doubt
as to their choice. Your excellency, I am sensible, will
excuse the freedom with which I deliver my sentiments.

Every day hostilities are retarded, the greater the
difficulties we shall have to encounter. The Americans are at
this moment busily employed in raising six companies of
Rangers, for the express purpose of overawing the Indians; and
are besides collecting a regular force at Vincennes, probably
with a view of reinforcing Detroit. Indeed, report states the
arrival of a large force at Fort Wayne, intended for the
former garrison. Their intrigues among the different tribes
are carried on openly and with the utmost activity, and as no
expense is spared, it may reasonably be supposed that they do
not fail of success. Divisions are thus uninterruptedly sowed
among our Indian friends, and the minds of many altogether
estranged from our interests. Such must inevitably be the
consequence of our present inert and neutral proceedings in
regard to them. It ill becomes me to determine how long true
policy requires that the restrictions now imposed upon the
Indian department ought to continue; but this I will venture
to assert, that each day the officers are restrained from
interfering in the concerns of the Indians, each time they
advise peace and withhold the accustomed supply of ammunition,
their influence will diminish, till at length they lose it
altogether.

I find that ever since the departure of Priest Burke from
Sandwich, the L50 per annum paid from the military chest to
that gentleman have been withheld, on what account I have not
been able to ascertain. The individual at present officiating
is highly spoken of; and as several gentlemen of the Catholic
persuasion have applied to me to intercede with your
excellency to renew the allowance, I presume to submit the
case to your indulgent consideration.

_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock._

QUEBEC, March 5, 1812.

I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
of the 12th February, which I have communicated to Sir George,
who is highly pleased to find you are satisfied to retain the
important post you fill, and which you appear to govern under
such very auspicious prospects. I sincerely trust you will be
able to keep your subjects, and particularly your house of
representatives, in the same good humour and sound principles
which they have hitherto testified. You will perceive in the
main sentiments of Sir George's opening address, a perfect
accordance with your own: the answer of the assembly led to a
very violent and personal debate, which lasted with closed
doors for nearly eighteen hours. It would have been more to
their credit had they left out the allusion which has drawn
from Sir George a very appropriate retort. Your friend, James
Cuthbert, was very warm and eloquent upon the occasion, and
the demagogue party seemed sensible of the severity of his
satire, when he compared the factious cabal to AEsop's fable of
the ass kicking at the dying lion. Having vented their spleen,
they will, I believe, prove a little more tractable: the
militia bill has a prospect of being materially amended, and
they will, I think, allow a proportion of about 2,000 men, or
perhaps a few more, to be incorporated for two or three
months, for three successive years; after the second year to
be replaced by a new quota, and to be selected by ballot, and
no substitutes permitted to serve in the place of a militiaman
drawn by lot: this will be a great point gained.

_Major-General Brock to Colonel Baynes._

YORK, March 9, 1812.

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