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,f»414-. ' 
 

 , THE 
 
 LIFE AM) (JORRESPOiNDEiV^'E 
 
 OF 
 
 MAJOR-GENERAL 
 
 SIR ISAAC BROCK, K. B. 
 
 " Whi.t iKxit.nh It til Imve bfi'ii ricli hli«f ? 
 VVliiit ti; ht (cieat* What to be irlotioas ? 
 (I iifU r (ii;;Uli nci tolicn ilf.tb HurviTf 
 Of lornur lieiiiif in tlii» imirtR) house, 
 But slcfiis ill (luht <li;Hri nnl iiiifU'riouh ? ' 
 
 Si'BNCEu's "Ktilni, Id Tim i:." 
 
 KDITEK liV HIS XEPHKW, 
 
 I EUDLNAND BROCK TDPFJill^Esy 
 
 ;#^^ 
 
 
 <, -\ 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 L O N J) O N ■ 
 J? I Ml* KIN, MARSHALL & Co. 
 
 r.lEHNBKV H. REDbTONK. 
 
 1847. 
 
 i.-l'-%i - 'i\^W\f 
 
 tautn-'-^.n^-^i-^Jir^fek-i^iS^i^iti 
 
P.aP 
 
 ft n f^ 4 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 
 PtiiiHd >'y !S. Hahhet. (j;ucni"-t'^ 
 
 I 
 
 Ti'S 
 
 / ;i 
 
 
 /3 ^S? 
 
?* 
 
 I N T II () I) i; C T I O N 
 
 TO THE SECOND liDITlON. 
 
 J 
 
 1 
 
 'S 
 
 I 
 
 I, 
 
 * 
 
 Tjie first, edition of this Memoir was compiled in a 
 %'ery few weeks, amid other avocations, and while 
 attending the sick bed of my father, who died shortly 
 before its completion ; and owin^ to this want of 
 preparation, as well as to the difficulty of obtaining 
 materials after the lapse of so many years, and at so 
 great a distance from the scene of Sir Isaac Brock's 
 principal labours, 1 candidly confess that it did not 
 satisfy my own mind. But its publication having 
 happily drawn forth much valuable matter, which in 
 a few years would otherwise have been lost, it v/ill be 
 seen, from a very cursory perusal of this volume, 
 that it is a great improvement on its predecessor, as 
 several errors, topographical and others, arising from 
 the cause just mentioned, have been corrected — 
 many additional letters from Sir Isaac Brock are 
 introduced, while a few others to him of little interest 
 are omitted — and some new and graphic anecdotes 
 aiid incidents are interwoven in the course of the 
 narrative.'* Part of the new matter may, however, 
 appear to the general reader as uninteresting and 
 superfluous; but, conceiving that every detail, relat- 
 ing to the progress of a colony from its infant state, 
 possesses a local and statistical value, I have thought 
 such data worthy of being preserved. To Colonel 
 
 * The additional matter in this volume amoantH to aliout onc-tliird 
 of the first cdiviori. 
 
 sm 
 
IV 
 
 IMltODIJCTION. 
 
 Fitz<:jibbori, wlio served rriiiny years in the 4t)rlj, as 
 well as to Chief Justice llohiiisotj, of Upper Cfiiiiula. 
 who was an officer in the militia of that proviaccr 
 liiiring the war, I cannot sufficiently express my 
 obliq-ation for the verv kinil and handsome manner 
 in which rhey complied with my re(|uest, and have 
 come forward to my assistance. Tlie Hrst edition 
 met with greater favor, particularly in Canada, than 
 I anticipated; but having anxiously striven to amend 
 this volume — having consulted every authority which 
 could ami'.Iify or elucidate my subject, I submit my 
 present work to the public with fewer at^prehensions 
 of inaccuracy or mis-statement. And I may add, that 
 T have undertaken this edition because I felt it due 
 to Sir Isaac Brock, and, above all, because I con- 
 ceived that the people of Upper Canadu, who have 
 continued to evince an attachment for him which is 
 as honorable to themselves as to its object, and who 
 have raised a lofty column in stone to his memory, 
 had a rijjht to expect the erection of a literary monu- 
 ment, whicli shtmld contain a faithful record of the 
 services of him who died in their defence. This 
 record was the more wanting — '* consideriuLT the 
 character of the distinguished chief who fell on the 
 British side at the Queenstovsn battle, of him who 
 undoubtedly was ' the best officer that headed their 
 troops throughout the war'"* — because the Quar- 
 terly Review for July, 1822 — in a very able article 
 on the Canadian Campaigns, which has since served 
 as a guide to the historian, and the materials for 
 which, I have been credibly informed, were partly 
 furnished by Major-General Procter or his relatives 
 — has ascribed to that officer the chief merit of the 
 capture of Detroit and the American army, (see pages 
 308 and 44C,) and has dismissed Sir Isaac Brock's 
 services with the meagre narration of scarcely a page 
 and a half, his fall being mentioned without eliciting 
 a sin'^le expression either of encomium or regret — 
 
 * James' Military Occurrences. Loudon, 1818. 
 
 '*m 
 
 '!;:> 
 
 m 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 V 
 
 ■J 
 
 ■•Js'i 
 
 
 
 :\ i>«! 
 
 althouc,4i onp would suppose that the reviewer would 
 have (icligljtod to seize so iittint,' a theme for (^racoful 
 Ifitjient and generous praise — while (ienerul Procter's 
 subsequerit operations occupy no loss than ten or 
 eleven pai^es ; the entire context, moreover, leading 
 the reader to suppose that General Procter, and not 
 General Block, was " the hero of Upper Canadn,"' 
 by which term the latter is still fondly and honorably 
 renicnihercd in that province. In consequence, Sir 
 Isaac Brock's character, gallantry, and exertions, are 
 not sdtficiently known or appreciated on this side of 
 the Atlantic; but, happily, the Canadian peojde have 
 in some measure repaired this cruel injustice — thist 
 want of common candour and generosity — by award- 
 ing to their hero that meed of fame which another 
 soughi, to withhold, and wliich his deeds and un- 
 timely death should liave secured to him. 
 
 In conclusion, 1 may be pardoned the addition of 
 my regret that this Memoir was not undertaken 
 many years ago by an officer, who, from having 
 served on the pL>'sonal staff of the general, both at 
 Detroit and Queenstown, and long enjoyed his esteem 
 and friendship, was in every way more qualified for 
 the task than myself, especially as my editorial 
 labours have been unaided by any notes or memo- 
 randa of Sir Isaac Brock, who unfortunately was not 
 in the habit of committing to paper any private details 
 of IiIh life or services, with the exception of a few 
 lines relative to the expedition to Detroit; and this 
 regret will doubtless be sliared by the reader on see- 
 ing the following extract of ;- letter, now before me, 
 from that >)fhcer to Mr. \Vi.ii.,m Brock, dated Fort 
 Niagara, Ainerican I'erritory, .JOth December, 1813: 
 " When I am allowed to enjoy a little leisure, I shall 
 not be unmindful of your request, and will send some 
 anecdotes of the public and private life of my much 
 lamented friend, which will do honor to his memory. 
 At one time, I had thoughts of writing the first cam- 
 paign, and prepared a preface, which I intended 
 
VI 
 
 INTHODUCTION. 
 
 should shew tlio wisdom aiul forosiKhr of voiir illiis- 
 t.rioiis brotiicr ; but, Hiiilin'^ inysolf hoiuid to rolatc so 
 mtmy slron;^ f'iicts atlectirif^ my stipt'iiors., 1 piiusod 
 for reasoiiH, wliitdi, in u ndliturv man, you will, I 
 think, coiisidor prudent." Wlmt these anecdotes 
 were, or would hiivo been, is now u matter of tjonjec- 
 tiire, as I fear that they are irrecoverably lost. Like 
 the writer of this letter, 1 have experienned Home 
 hesitation in narrating facts, as I wished not to j^ivy 
 either pain or otfonce, reniemberinj^' the maxim : 
 " On cloit dcs efjards aux vivans — on n«; doit aux 
 morts que. la vcrite;" but my duty ay a biographer 
 has prevailed over every other consideration; and it', 
 as a civilian, I have laboured under a disadvantage 
 in describin^,^ military events, 1 trust that that disad- 
 vantage is in som<> measure con)i)ensated by the 
 greater i're(;d(»m with which 1 have been enabled to 
 write ill illustraiion of my subject. Tliis freedom 
 will doubtless bo displeasing to a few, who, or whose 
 relatives, not having iigured very creditably during 
 the Avar in Canada, will arraign this work as written 
 too much in accordance with a sentiment of the 
 French historian Uodin — a sentiment over upper- 
 most in my mind while conipiling it : ''Autrefois on 
 ccrivait I'histoiro u I'usage du dauphin ; aujourd'luu 
 c'est a Tusage du peu[)Ie qu'il faut !'< crire." 
 
 F. B. T. 
 
 tiLKUNSKV. .Vpril, IS J 7. 
 
]> n KFvVCE 
 
 •^l-'. 
 
 ^M 
 
 In thr early part of last year, a box of manuscripts 
 and tlio trunks helonjxiujr to Sir Isaac IJrook, wliirli 
 liail remained locked and unexamined for nearly 
 thirty years, were at length opened, as the general's 
 last surviving brother. Savory, in whose possession 
 fhev had remained during- that period, was* then, froni 
 disease of the brain, uncons'^nous of passing events. 
 With thnt sensibility which shrinks from tlie sight of 
 objects that remind us of a much-loved departed rela- 
 tive or friend, he had allowed the contents to remain 
 untouched ; and when they isaw the light, the gene- 
 ral's uniforms, including the one in which he fell, 
 were much motheaten, hi.it the manuscripts were 
 happilv 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 liastily perur.ed and assorted the 
 letters and other papers, he decided on their publica- 
 tion. 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 .I'ditor's study to avoid all unne- 
 cessary 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 [saac Brock, to M-ithhold nothing descriptive 
 of his energetic views and intentions, and of the 
 
Mil 
 
 l'UKF.\( F.. 
 
 ol)st,aclf?!^ lio rvporlonced in tlio vigorous prosociitlou 
 of tlu; conrost — obstJiclcs wiiioli lijs }rallr\nt npirif, 
 could not hrook, ami whicli necessarily oxposod 
 " liis valuaMu life" much more than it wouM liavu 
 boon in oH'cnsive operations. He refjrets, however, 
 that in the perrorniaiicc of this duty, he must ncccH- 
 sarily j^ivo pain to the relatives of the late Sir (ieor^e 
 Prcvost, of \vIios<' military government in Canada lie 
 would much rather have written in praise than in 
 censure. 
 
 Brief memoirs are inserted, at the conclusion of 
 tlie Appendix, of one of Sir Isaac Brock's brothers, 
 the bailiff or chief magistrate of (iiiernsey, and of 
 two of their nephews, Lieutenant E. W. Tupner, II. N., 
 and Colonel W. De Vic Tapper, of the Chilian ser- 
 vice. The premature fate of these two promisino* 
 young otticers is, to those who knew them best, still 
 a source of unceasing regret and of embitleriiig re- 
 membrance. 
 
 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 appa- 
 rently authentic sources, and the Editor believes that 
 it is more copious fhaii any which has yet appeared 
 of this distinguished Indian chief.* A perusal will 
 perhaps awaken sympathy in behalf of a much-in- 
 jured people ; it may also tend to remove the films 
 of national prejudice, and prove that virtue and cou- 
 rage are not confiiied to any particular station or 
 countrv, but that thev mav exist as well in the wilds 
 of the forest, as in the cultivated regions of civi- 
 lization. 
 
 * 
 
 
 -w 
 
 Guernsey, January 15, IS 15. 
 
 * I have since learnt Uiat tliere is a memoir of Tecumseh in Thatcher's 
 Indian Biottraphy, an American work, wliicli I liavc been una'jU; to 
 i;ro»''.uo.— F. 1>. T. 
 
(jOVTKNTS. 
 
 CHAPTI.W I. 
 
 Purcntn^ri! n'lA hlrtli— IJoyhofKl— Kiitcrs tho Kinn'n Ho(ci"ient- Trait 
 (It ilfUrn.iiintidii ol (.Imrnctor lU'cdincs I.ictitcnHiit ( oloiu 1 ot llu- 
 49tli— laiipaiK:!! in IIdHiukI, in i;yy-A ymiiiK Iri-ili Si r)^«'Hiit -• 
 HiiHsian t'ooos III (iiienisi-y— UattliM.f Copt'iitmiffii, in IHOl—Notici' 
 
 of Joliii .Su'ory UKJck, Es(j 
 
 C 11 APT Fit II. 
 
 Proceeds ti) Canada with the |i)t)\—Dcsortrrs— Suppresses r mutiny 
 at I'urt (ifori;*— Military EM-cuiion— Hutiirns to Kiiinpc, an! rc- 
 comiMciiils tlie funnatliiii of a Vtferaii lluttulion for Upiitr Canada- 
 Ku-i!n\l)ttrk.s for Cmiuda ... .... Ui 
 
 CHAPTEH m. 
 
 Succeeds Colonel Bowc.'S in command of llie troops in Canada— Strin- 
 frent Instructions to the Orpiity t'onimissary- General — Marine 
 i)(l)artnient— Hisliop MMloiu'lI— Jesuits' Uarraol<s— Frencii .Secret 
 Envoy to tiie (Jariadifiiis— lleliif to a Widow and her Ciiildren — 
 (iciieral Orders— Letters to Lieut. -Colunel (Jordon, Rij,'tit lion. W. 
 VVindliani, Coioticl (Jlasj^ow, Mr. President Dunn, Lieut. -(iovcrnor 
 Gore, tin; .\djutant-(ieiieral, Major .Vlaclieuzie, and Lonl Castlereagh 
 —Arrival of bir James Craig . 'i>i 
 
 'I 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Stationed at Montreal— North- Nvest Company— Disaffection of French 
 Canadians, and Causes of their DisL-ontent— P. Carey Tupper, Kscj, — 
 General Sir Jaiiit^s Kempt— Society in Guernsey— Post ("tttice in 
 Canada-- Haront'ss de Rottenburg— Lieut. Colonel Murray -Letters 
 from Lieut. -Colonel Tliointon, Colonel Uaynes, Lieut. -Governor 
 Gore, Colonel Kempt, and Colonel Vesey— Letters to hi.s Brothers, 
 to Mrs. W. Block, to his brothi^r Irvine, Lieut. -(Jovcrnor Gore, 
 Sir James Craig, and Major Taylor— Duke of Kent— Ciueen Victoria. 
 
 fin 
 
 CHAPTEH V. 
 
 Is made a Major-Gcneral— Sir James Craiij returns to Eni^land, his 
 character and administration— Sir Gordon l>ruminoiid--»uke of 
 Manchester— Arrival of Sir George Prcvost, services, military repu- 
 
: ( ONTUNTS. 
 
 tatioti, and nativity— ^fajor-Gonor^^l Hrnck is appointed President 
 of r|)|K r Ciuiada- I'ailuro of Mr. W. IJruck— The Right Hon. Edward 
 Eilice, M. P. -I/Cttcr^i from Major Cieiicral Vesey, Colonel Bayncs, 
 William Hro(;k, Esq. .and I, ifut. Colonel Torrcns — Letters to Ensign 
 N. Freer, to his Urothers, and to and from Sir George Prevost 103 
 
 ("nAPTEU VI. 
 
 Causes of the Ani?riciui War- Address to the Legislature— The neces- 
 sity of eapturinfj Dirroit and Mi< hiliniapkinac (pointed out— Procla- 
 mation relative to himip — ('l>ic>f Justice St'otf --Imprisonment of 
 Mr. N'K'liol — Hrni'wal (5f the Embargo— Letters from Sir .lames 
 Saumarez, to arid from Sir George Prevost and Colonel Eayries, 
 to the Military Secretsvrv , and Lieut, (.'olonel Nichol 136 
 
 riiAPTEH vn. 
 
 Topogiaphical deseriprirj!! of the boundaries, military posts, ami lakes 
 of l.pper Canada- -01 tlie Michigan territory, Detroit, and Michili- 
 mackjnac, as exi.sting iu ibl2 179 
 
 CIIAPTEK VI II. 
 
 War declared— Major (ieneral Brock's proceedings— Force under his 
 comn\and— Letters from Colonel IJayrius, and to and from Sir George 
 Prevost — Anieri<an new-paper 189 
 
 CHaPTKI< IX. 
 
 (•iencral Hull inNa<les Upper Canada- -Hi:^ proclamation, and that of 
 Major-(ieneral liroek in reply— Letters to Sir G. Prevost and from 
 Sir T. .Saumurez—Address to the Legislatore— Criticp.l state of the 
 Province 106 
 
 CHAPTElt X. 
 
 Capture of Mich ilimarkhiac— Letters to and from Sir (J. Prevost, from 
 Colonels liaynes and Uruyeri's 223 
 
 ( H.-iPTER S.I, 
 
 Occurrences in the Western ]>istrict~recuniseh—Ma.!or.(rcneralHrock 
 proceeds to Amherstburg— Voyage described— General Order— In- 
 dians, and noiice of Tecumseh—Summmis to General Hull, and his 
 answer— Suriender of Detroit, and its consetiuences— Anecdotes of 
 Tecurnseh— Country about Detroit, — Indian war in 17(1:1 , . 238 
 
 CHAPTEH \n. 
 
 Letters relative to the capture of General Hull and Detroit— from 
 Major-Generf.! Hrock to Sir (,. Prevost, and to his Brothers— from 
 Sir G. Prevost, Earl Bathurst, Vi'. Brock, Esc]., Mr. Justice Powell, 
 Chief Justice Sewell, General Maitland, Major-General Burnet, and 
 Lieut. Colonel Nichol 2% 
 
CONTEXTS. 
 
 Kl 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Major-Ciciipral Brock returns to tlia Niagara frontier— Armistice- 
 Pniposc'il atla< k on Saekett's Harbour prevented— I etters to a!i<t 
 from Sir (J. Prevost ami Major-General Van Ri nssclair- from 
 C:olonel I3.iyiies— to and fiom Colonel Pmeter, and to J. .S. Uroek, Ksij. 
 —Wrongs of the Indians 2fl;< 
 
 CIIAPTEH XIV. 
 
 Rival force.-, on tVie Niairnra frontier— Capture of brisjs Petroit and 
 Caledoiiia--Leitir< to ;S)r (}. Prevost and Colonel Procter — Battle 
 of Q>'eiistowii, and deatli of Sir 1 .aac Broek- His funenU and cha- 
 racter—Sir iloger Sheartc— Description of Qixecnstowu Ilei^'hts, Ific, -M-J 
 
 CHAP r Ell XV. 
 
 sir R. Sheatfe ffid armistice— Further remarks on Sir Isaac Hrock-- 
 Amcrii aiis obtain the lomnuuui of Lake Ontario -Caiiture of York 
 —Attack on Sackett's llurbour— Colonel Pn cier's operations near 
 Dettoit— Uefoat <>( lirituh siniadron on Lake Krie— Speecli of Te- 
 cumseh— Retreat and surrender of Major-( .eneral Procter's aitny — 
 Caijtiire ot Kurt (ieorure, arid sunjri.-^e of tlic American troijps at 
 
 Stoney Creek — (.;onflict* on the Niagara frontier, .n iBit Attack 
 
 on Miplnlinia(;kinac—'j;i British desertci-s—Peaee— Sir (i. Prevost's 
 death and ctiaracter— Inscriptiou on Monument to— Colonel Tupj.er. 367 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Memoir of Tccuraseh 389 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Servant— Letters from the Duke of U^rk, J. Savery and Irving Hrock, 
 Es(|S., and Mrs. Eliot -Introduction of fo\ir Indian chiefs to Geortjc 
 the P<jurth, at Wirid.sor— Destruction of Monument, and " gather- 
 ing" on Queenstosvn Heiirhts— Intended obelisk— Services of the 
 lyth refrinient, and gallant exidoit of Lieutenant Fitzgibbon — 
 Notice of Sir Isaac JSrock's brothers, .-listers, and nephews — Letters 
 from Colonel Brock to James Cuthbert, Es^q. 397 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Sir (George Prevtist— Sir R. H. Sheafte and Uattle of Quecnstown- 
 4 1 St regiment— Letter from Cliiet J astice Robinson , tati 
 
 APPENDIX A. 
 
 SECTION 1. — BRITISH AUTHOHS, 
 
 i. Letter from Lord Aylmer— 2. Di«patch from Captain Roberts — 
 3. Lettersfrom General Hull and capitulation of Detroit- 4. Extracts 
 from Letters ol Veutas— j. Sir <i. Prevobt'.-i genera! order — (i. Ex- 
 
Xll 
 
 ( ONTENTS, 
 
 trail, from Qnartpri-, Roviow. and Lieut eniint Hall's I'ravels-- 
 7 JJricf fxtrac'ls rniii> various aiitliors— 8. CV)uncil of cntidolcnce— 
 <). Monuiiier.t in St. Paul's rat.licdral — lo, a Huron chief's surprise 
 on secin)^ this inonumont — II. Address of the ''ornnuins (if I'ppoi 
 Canada to tlic Priucj; Kct;«>iit--iii. (iraiits of Hmviuciai Le<isl»turc 
 for monument —i:s. Kt-intenuent described- 14. Dickejj.s' American 
 notes 437 
 
 SECTION n. — AMEUICAN AUTHOIIS. 
 
 I. JcflTcrfson's e()rresponricncf'-"2. General Hull's revolutionary ^cr- 
 vice.s— S. Letter frimi Cuplaiti Wool—liattle of Quernstovvn -HullS 
 army at Detroit , . , 458 
 
 APPENDIX B. 
 
 Daniel De Lisle Brock, Esq , -463 
 
 APPENDIX C. 
 JJeutcimnt E. William I'upper, R N. , . ..... 472 
 
 APPENDIX D, 
 Djlonel W. De Vic Tuppor, Chilian service. , , 477 
 
 C(JKRI(iENDA. 
 
 Pyge 1'2, lino 8, fur 17Q<). read 1791, 
 
 ,, 144, ,, 19, /');• 181;, Mid 1812. 
 
 „ 191, ,, Iti, /(/r iSMi of .luly, ?ywrf lOth of July. 
 
 ,. 22.3, /'(»• Chapter VIII, rc/d Chapter X 
 
 ,, 24(), ,, 5, for Giveiiis, rnud (iivens. 
 
 ,, :WJ, „ U4, fur i6 kille'i, ri\id l\^ killed. 
 
 „ 3f)7, „ H, ufter seamen, add supported by four guns and 600 
 
 Indian.s. 
 ,, 414, foot note, /or invented, r^wrf inserted. 
 
 ,, 4;i4-.'ti), tiead line, fv Appendix A, Section I. rend Life and Corres- 
 pondence of. 
 S. JJ.— The name of Proctor to be spelt throughout Procter 
 
 Pago ysi, additional toot note. 
 d'iiffnne.\ in LondtPii. 
 
 Mr Russell was the American cAa/-*?!'' 
 
THK 
 
 LIFE AM) COHlli:Sl»ONI)KNCE 
 
 OP 
 
 M A J R - G E N E 11 A L 
 
 SIR ISAAC BROCK, K. B. 
 
 CilAPTEII 1. 
 
 riiE Guernspy family of Brock is probably of En- 
 glir^h origin, 'but we have been unable to asceriairi 
 the period of its lirst establishnuiit in the island. 
 The parochial register of St. Peter-Port extends only 
 to the year l-jG'i, soon after which it contains the 
 name of Philip Brock. By " llobson's Armorial 
 Bearings of the Ts'obility and Gentry of Great Bri- 
 tain and Ireland," eight families of the name of 
 Brock appear to bear different arms, one of \Yhicli 
 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* — until the death of Sir 
 Isaac Brock, when new and honorary armorial bear- 
 ings were granted by the sovereign to his family. 
 Brock t is the ancient Saxon name for badger, and as 
 such is still retained in English dictionaries. | Prois- 
 
 * With a slight variation, the tiehl being gules instead of azure, 
 Motto, Vincit Veritas. 
 
 t There is a rivulet Brock in Scotland, close to which Cromwell de- 
 t'catcU deneral Lesley at the celebrated battle, of Dunbar, in ItioO 
 
 t BnocK, n. s. [(jpoc, Saxon; 6roc, Irish; iro'7;, Welsh ami Cornish.] 
 badger. — John.ion, 182". 
 Bkok, an oLU sword, or dagger. — Bailey, 1751, 
 
 li 
 
o 
 
 f.IiE A.SJ) (.onUESl'OMlEN* K OF 
 
 i 
 
 sart,* ill liis ClimDicles, mjikos inciition of Sir Hii^Ii 
 Brook, {III JMifi'lisIi knight, kee]>or ol' tlio (Jastlc 
 of Drrvnl, in JJriitjmy, for liis cousin Sir Robert 
 Knollcs, Avlio ^vas govomor of iiD tlie dueli_\ , and 
 resided in lirest, during tlie absence of the duke in 
 f-lngland. The Trench overran Brittany at this pe- 
 riod, anil halving' '2, (KM.) men near Jircst, i-o as to 
 prevent its ri'ceiving succours, ?ut down will) " great 
 engines*' befoi'e the casthi of Derval, to the siege of 
 v'hich came the constable of France, tlie J)ukG of 
 Bourbon, the Earls of Alen<;on and of Perche, and 
 a greai number of the barony and ciiivalry of France. 
 The cjistie ijeing sore oppressed. Sir Hugh Brock 
 was at length constrained to agree to sur)'ender it at 
 the end of two months, if not relieved by that time. 
 Sir l?oi'crt Knf)lles, hearing this, also began to treat 
 with the French, and agreed witli Bertrand du 
 Guesclin, tlie (.Mustable, that he would surrender the 
 garrison of Brest in fbrtv (lavs, unless a suH^icient 
 force should arrive, and CTiablo liim to fight. Being 
 reinforced, he set out from Brest, and relieved his 
 Castle of Derval These events occurred in the 
 reign of I'ldward the Third, during the latter half 
 of the fourteenth centurv, 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 lamil}-, on his ])assage 
 across the Channel, have visited tlie island and 
 settled there ? 
 
 The common ancestor of the present Guernsey 
 familv of the name of Brock was William Brock, 
 Esq,, a native of the island, who died in the year 
 1770, and was the grandi'ather of the subject of this 
 volume,. He had three sons and one daughter, who 
 became connected bv marriage with some of the 
 principal and most ancient families of Guernsey j 
 namelt', William, married to Judith, daughter of 
 
 * Trarislatioi) fium the Irciich !iy Lord Uerncr^, vol. ii, chap, 3P, 40 
 LoiiUon Kilitjon. IHia.- AUo Jolints' trauslatiou, London, 1842. 
 
 i 
 
 I ft 
 
 n 
 
 ■'Jft'V 
 
 
SIH HA A' nuoriv. 
 
 3 
 
 J;iinf'r< lir JJoriuvoir, Esf|.;* .lolin, in;irri(Ml fo Eliza- 
 itetli 1).' Lisle, 1 claui,^hf('r of ili«' tlion lieutenant' 
 huiliir ol' the isIhikI ; Henry, married to Susan 
 .Sauri\arez, twister of tlio late Admiral Lord tie Sau- 
 niare/. ; and ^Lir^ , vife of.lolni Le Marcliant, lv'?(}. !: 
 In <rivitijj' tliifs brief recital of Sir Isaac Brock's 
 fauiil} and connexions, we feel pride- in addwit.'-, that 
 in Guernsey tlio law of prinioujenitnre prevaiU liiij)- 
 pily to a vij'-v limited eslent; all the ehildre-n, boih 
 j-oni? and dauifhler?-, iidieritin*.; nearly alike. In c<,in» 
 ■^eqnernM', the upper ranks hclonu' to uh.it in Ln<j,lan(l 
 would he called the middh- cla~f>e.s of society, heeause 
 property, hoth real and personal, it^ so divided at 
 every generaiion, that wealth ''n families cannot be 
 loni;' preserved entire. But ii' In.re be no "eldest 
 soil," tlie'-e is what tlie philan'.lirophist will value 
 much more hii^hl.'. — a moral and contented popu- 
 lation of abovM 1100 souls to a square mile, with 
 neither j4'reat riches nor extreme poverty, with nei- 
 ther luxurious lundlonls nor a deirraded tenantry- 
 
 John Urock, E-q., borti Jii.nuary 'JI-!, 1720, second 
 so)i ot the above-nami;d Willia/u, had by his \vifi>, 
 Elizabeth l)e Lisle, a very numerous family of ten 
 sona and four daughters, oi'whom eiejht sons and two 
 (lauj.diters reached maturity. He died in Juno, 1777, 
 at Ibnaii, in iirit Tiv, whither he liad j^onc for the 
 benctit of the waters, ai the (.'ariv aii'c of fortv-eiixht 
 years.§ In his youth lie was a midshipman in the 
 naw, and in that ca|)acitv liad made a vovaffc to 
 
 * The name 'M this anouuit family, seonil to none in wooltli and 
 stiitiun, bocanie evtinct in Giiernsej', in i.siu, on the death uj' Osiaoiid 
 l>'^ Hoauvoi]-, K--i;., vviioii his larg-e propi.Tty was inherit'.'d liy distant 
 ^olativc•^ ■ ;)u)ie<i/i\' Hintuni uf (imcrnK^'i/. 
 
 ■f sjir .lohii I)c Liriie was appointed j^nxpinor (.>( (Jucrnsi'y on the ;.'Stt\ 
 May, 1 ill.), (i m-n. IV.. yMv f lulls' French RoiJs, vol, ii, p, isi),, ami 
 piooct'(U,'(l tci that island in .luiy foilowinK'. 
 
 : Mnjor-Gonoril I.c Marcli'-mt and his fl<lc'-t son, a. (?ni)t^in in ttu; V()ol 
 CniUil.s, whu !iot!i ft'll in Spain dm inj:;- the lalo \\»r : and CH\)lain IMiiiip 
 .Sauni.'xrc/, win.' was lA)rd Anson's tirsl iicntcriant iu thi' Cfntunun, and 
 wa.s slain in 1717. whil'' (;u/nniauding the Ndtfinuliam, of 'i4 am"', wi-ic 
 inemhcrs of thust laniiiios. 
 
 V Hrock .•ilrcer, at Uatli, was niiined at'tcr him ny the pniiertor, in 
 fcstimonv of fticndship. 
 
 i 
 
I. in; AM) f OIlUESPONDEXCK OF 
 
 Jniliiu Nvhicii was then i.'Oiisidorcd a jrreat nniNn"- 
 takiniT. As ho \\iis i^osst'Sficd of rnucii .'ictiviiv of 
 mind avA considoritble talrnr, lii-s dejith was ;i)i 
 irropfiral'I': lo^s to liis ohildrej), \\]io wore o{ an ngc 
 to requiro all the care and counsels of a father; the 
 t'khsl, Juliii, iiavino; only completed his seventeenth 
 
 veir. 
 
 Th 
 
 H \ wi've left m ni(le[»eiulent, it no!: in 
 
 afHn- 
 
 ont. circuin.-iant'cs : hat the fond iralulirence of a 
 
 ^\•\d 
 
 o\y((\ 
 
 morl 
 
 J or, \vlio cou 
 
 Id d 
 
 env them no eniov 
 
 ment. tended, notwiihsatnding their lon;^ minority, 
 to diminish their patrimony. 
 
 Isaac BrocL, the eighth son. nas horn in the parisli 
 of St, retci-]\irt. Gu<;rnsey, on »he «)th of October, 
 17()0j t]>e niemural.ile year whit.-h <javo lilrth to 
 JSupoleon and \Velhngton. In his boyhood lie was 
 libe hifc brothers, nnnsnally tall, robust, and preco- 
 cious ; and, with an ajtpearauce much beyond his ngc, 
 remarkable in his own familv chioflv for e.vtreme 
 
 {.■jentlenes?. 
 
 lit' was, liowever, considered by his 
 
 schoolfellows as tlie best swimmer and boxer in tlie 
 scliooi -. and he used to swim, from the /iiainland of 
 GuernseA'- to Castle Cornet, a distance each wav of 
 nearly half a mile. This feat: ']» tlie niore ditficult 
 from the stjong' tides i\hleh run between the passage. 
 In Ids. eleventh year lie was sent to school at South- 
 ampton, and lii?. education was concluded by his 
 ])eirig placed i'or a twelvemonth under a French 
 Pj'otcstant eii rgyman at Hoiterdani,, foi- the purpose 
 of learning tlie Treneh langiuige. His eldest brother, 
 John, a lieutenant in the iStli, the King's, regiment, 
 being pi-omoted to a company by purchase, Isaac 
 
 siu'cre 
 
 ded, 
 
 (Iso by ])urchasc, to tbe cnsigncy w 
 
 hich 
 
 cons, quently became vacant in that regiment, and to 
 which ]jc was appointed on the 2d of March, 178-), 
 soon uiter he Jiad completed his fifteenth year. He 
 joined in Enjrland, and was {juarJered there in dif- 
 tereni places for a few years. Ha\int!" entered the 
 army at so early an age, he happily felt sensible of 
 his detlcieucies of education ,; and for a long period 
 
SHI ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 5 
 
 m-" 
 
 he devoted liis loisuro mornings to study, lockinff 
 tlio door ul' his room until one o'clock, to prevent 
 intnii^ion. In ].7!)0 lie svn^ ])romoled to a lieiitenant- 
 cy, rind av.is (|iiartered In Guernsey find Jersey. At 
 tiu' close of tiiiit year he ohlaiaed an independent 
 company, by raising the number of men to complete 
 it, and was 'placed on iialf pay. He exchanL^ed soon 
 after, hy nivino- the ditlerencc, into the 4iHh, ^vhicfi 
 regiment he joined at Harbadoes, in 171)1; and he 
 remained dui)in: diitv there, and afterwards at Ja- 
 inaica, until i7U;3, when he was compelled to return 
 A-ery suddenly to England on sick leave, having 
 nearly t'allen a victim to the pestilential eftects of 
 the climate, and an immediate embarkation being 
 pronounced his on!} cliance of recovei'y. l"fis first 
 cousin, Lieutenant Henr> Brock, of the 13th foot, 
 who was ill at the same time at .Jamaica, died of the 
 fever ; and the survivor rdways 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 Caiada. 
 The mention of the following rraic of great deter- 
 mination of character may servo as a guide to other 
 young olHcers, similarly circum»tanced. AVhen Cap- 
 tain Brock Joined the 4l)th, the peace of the regiment 
 was disturbed by one of those vile pests of society — a 
 confirmed duellist. < 'aptain Brock soon proved to 
 his brother ca[»tain, who took advantage of being a 
 dead, shot, that he was neither to be bullied nor 
 intimidated; and the result was a challenge from 
 the latter, which was promptly accepted. On the 
 ground, Captain lirock, 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 ou 
 firing across it. This the duellist ])ositively declined, 
 and jjeing in consequence soon after comj>elled to 
 leave the regiment, the officers were thus relieved. 
 

 
 1,1 JE AND (•onnrsroNDENCE OP 
 
 hy tlifi tirni und rcsoliilo condiKit of a verv voimti' 
 initii, of tlie presence of one with wliorii all social 
 interoourse had previouely been dilHenlt and dan- 
 gerous. On Ill's rotiiMi from Jamaica, Captain Brock 
 was employed on tlie recruiting service in Enfjlaiid, 
 anil afterwards in char(i;e of a nundier of recruits at. 
 Jersey. On the 24th Jiuie, 179«3, he iuircha«:ed. In's 
 inajority, and remained in command of the recruits 
 until the return of the reniment to Eni»"land the 
 followintr vear. On the '2r)th of October, ]7*.)7, just 
 lifter Jie had completed Ins tnenty-eightli year, 
 Major Brock ymrchased his lieutenant-colonelcy, 
 and soon after became senior lieut. -colonel of tlie 
 49th. This was very rajiid. promotion for oue who 
 liad not only eutc-ed the army during' a period of 
 proibiind peace, but had been five years an ensign; 
 and, having no interest excepting that which his 
 own merit might have procured liim, he was gene- 
 rally considered at that time as one of the most 
 fortunate otHcers in the service. In a little more 
 than seven years, he Jiad risen from an ensign to be 
 a lieutenant-colonel. Owing to some mismanage- 
 ment and ])eculation on the ])art of liis predecessor, 
 who Avas in Lonsequcnce j'ecommende<l privately to 
 sell out,, if be 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.~('olonel Brock, from 
 oric of tlio worst, had made the 49th one of the best 
 regiments in the service. 
 
 In 1798, the i9th was quartered in Jersey, whence 
 it proceeded to England early the following year, 
 to take part in the projected expedition to Holland, 
 as in 179'.> 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 bv a Russian armv. The iirst English 
 division, consist! ntr of twelve battalions of infantr»'- 
 among which was the 49th, and a small body of 
 
 ."1 ■ 
 
 i 
 
«rii\alry, assemlilcd tit Soutliarm)Uiii under Sir Kaipli 
 Alxircroinhy, and, liavirig ('ir.l)iirkod, (iiirdly siileil 
 tV.itu ilic ihAvm oil tljo Ut.li of Aiifrust. Ou^ the 
 *2(>fli of tliut inoiitli, llip leet, consisting- of tiftcoii 
 ships of the line, from forty-five to fifty fri^nito*, 
 sloops, and ^luidlor vi^sseis of ^vnr, and one liundrod 
 :md iliirty i-iv\ of transports, anchored alori|j: llie coast 
 of North" ilolland, from ilio month of the Texel as 
 far as Calanr^-O^re. Kurly tiio next raorniriL;-, the 
 flank companies were landed under the protection of 
 the o-uns of the fleet. An engaaement commenced 
 as the JJritisli were ahoiit to march forward ; !jut 
 heiiio- continually reini'orccd i>y the arrival of fresh 
 troops, tlioy compelled tin; enemy to retreat. This 
 M'arin en^afrement lasted till four e-'ch^ck in the 
 
 Or? . . 
 
 afternoon, and cost tlie JJritisli ahout 1,000 men, 
 »Sir Halph Abercromhy, havin*; become master ot^ 
 the point, or peninsula, of the Helder, completed iiis 
 landing', entrenched his advanced posts toward he 
 right, and occupied ^vith his left the point of tlu 
 Helder, and the batteries there which had been 
 evacuated. In these positions he auuited the arrival 
 of the second division, under the Duke of York, the 
 commander-in-chief, which I'emained in England tin- 
 til news were receiv<;d of the landiu;[r of the flrst on 
 the i.',oast of Holland, These two divisions were 
 compo-ed of thirty battalions of intantry, of (3<.)0 men 
 each, -500 cavalry, and a fine intin of artillery.'' 
 Durinij; this campaion, Lieut. -Coloiiel lirock distin- 
 p:uished himself in coriiuiand of his regiment, which, 
 on the '2(1 of October, in tlu- battle of Enniont:-op- 
 Zee, or Ber<^(?n, had Captain Arcijei' and Ensign 
 Ginn, killed; and Major Hutchinson, i^ Captains 
 Sharp and T^obins, Lieutenant rrquhart and Ensij^n 
 Hill, wounded^ Lieutenant Johnston, missinp;.| 
 
 * New Armnal Rogitter fic )"i)(), jiai^e 395. 
 
 t The late G(-iteral Sir William Hutehiuson, K.C. H.. Colonel ot the 
 /ith ri'gimeiit. 
 
 t See the returns in the Sew Annnal Roerister, tor irw, Prinoipfti 
 Occujrcnci:^, pairc H3. ,Siag:uUirly enough, the loss (jf fjie nun eoinnu'^- 
 
8 
 
 MFK AMI ntllKK.SrONDENCC Or 
 
 Savcry liVdok, ulto wrts ))rns'niit, wroU) frorn Kiimont 
 oa tlu! 4(h of October : '' Tlic luif.ion lia*- f»ocM u vf?fy 
 hof orif), itiul Diniilx.i^ liav«) fullcii TIic 4IH(i heliavcd. 
 well, very well, lias 30 killtMl uiifl -"iO 'Aoujided, be- 
 sides -JO ini-ifinn, 110 in all, tljouii'li we Liid not rnoro 
 than •UH rank juhI file in the lii-ld f-ord Avhner 
 was ;-li<jlitiy \V'.)unded. " In this ucliiMi, IJeiii.-C'olo- 
 nol Jinick was also sli^luly woiindod, alilioufili liis. 
 Jianic docH not appear in the returns; and his llt'o was 
 in all probability jireserved by his M-eaviny^, as the 
 weather wa^ very cold, a stout cotton iiandkerehief 
 over a tliick bliif^k silk cravat, ))otli ot' which were 
 perforated by a lailht, and which prevented its enter- 
 ing Jiis /leek : the violence of the blow was, lujwover, 
 so great, as to stun and di«nioutit Jiini. llis holsters 
 were also t.hot through. The folKiwin^- letter con- 
 tains some iiilerer^tirig particulars relative to t]u> 
 eaiopaigri. and the part taken in it by the dOth. 
 
 
 I', 
 
 /JiutvTuuit ('o/oru'l JirocJc, 49th riijiment, to hU btitkcr, 
 brevet Lli^Hfi:ii(int-C<jli»iid John Uror.k, 81.s/ rtijbiieni. nt 
 the i'apc of Good ilopt: 
 
 ^' J,oNfDox, November i^(), I71)U. 
 
 " J uas pretty constant in niy eovrespondeni.e with 
 you while the regiment wa.s (juartered at Portsmouth, 
 and no opportunity oilered i'roin thence direct to the 
 Cape without f.akinf;; h.tters and newspaper^ froni 
 eitlrcr Saverv or myself, and often from both ; but 
 the very active and busy life I have pubised since put 
 an end to all such communications. Knowing, how- 
 ever, that you will be g-ratilied in hearing from my 
 own pen the various incidents which have occurred 
 since that time, I proceed to give \ou th^j substaiu^o 
 of them. Vou will, have seen in the public prints 
 that the 49th endtarked anumg the first regiments 
 under Sir Italph Abercroi)d>y , and that the array. 
 
 '•idiuMl oftici'V'- Hiid privatfs in faoh ccriis is not givt;ii, but tho fasimltifs 
 iiriKinp: the uifict-is of tin' ((itli (■'((•iTJed. thoisc of any ctlior regimciu. 
 fiig-agfii on this (lay, with the cxc'jp'ion oi tiiu ;'..=.»tli aiid'QJd 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
sin i-iwc nno( K. 
 
 «.) 
 
 amoumiii}.'; lo about 10,(HM> iiioii, aftor hoatiTi;^ tlio 
 seas rrouMlie -SlIi to jIk; '27iIi of Aiimisr, ftlorrGfl :i 
 laiuliM-- uonr tlin Ilt.Idcr; tliat (lie cncinv rnodr. unuc- 
 countul'ly uir..rc'il no o|.|K»sitioii to our liirniuiL'': and 
 i' that, afler u Moll-coiitestiHl H^lit of ten lion r-», }.o 
 
 retrcutcd, and loft ns in qiiid possor-ioii of llio 
 licij^lits, extendinu- tlio ^vho\^' I'-nntli of tlio JV-nin- 
 sula. Tlio 4tli l)iMn;ado niid.M- (reneral Moon'.'- 
 consi^tiiii; of rlie Jtcyuls, 2."jtli, 49tli, 7t)tli, and l)'2d, 
 lauded to the left, Mliore the ^reate^t opposition was 
 t'xpt'Cfcd, as it was natural to suppose that ^.oesnenfial 
 an oI)jeet a-s tlie Tlelder uould be defondcd ro the 
 last, but, to our utter ri«loni.sliiu.;nt, the eneniy liave 
 us no auno\ aiuro ; on ihe contrary, soon after the 
 allair ou the rjoht had terniiriatod, he evaonaled the 
 town, whieli wo took ([iiiet jmsHSsion i)f the follow iii<^- 
 mornin^;, and with it the wholo of the ih-et. The 
 ^larrison, eon^ifttin^ of 1,000 men, could easily have 
 been intereoptcd had it uot boon for a large body of 
 cavalry ajid a number of cannon, which completely 
 commanded a plain of a mile and a half in breadth, 
 neeesiary to be cros.'red to get to them ; as wo liad 
 neither one nor the otli(;r, it would have been the 
 lieight of toUy to attempt it. Tlje regiments which 
 di-stinguislied themselves most on this occasion were 
 the '2ik\, i2rth, and .Ootli. The evening of our land- 
 ing, a reiuforoenient of -IjOOO men arri\ed, but could 
 not disemburk imtil two dayy alter, owing to the 
 badness of the Av^?atlle^. Durinii' all this time the 
 troops lay e.\|)osed on the -and hills, >vitl»out the least 
 slndter to cover them from the wind and rain. At 
 leuifth the armv moved forward eleven mile'*, and 
 got into cuiitouments along a canal extdiding the 
 whole breiidth of the country, from the Zuyder sea 
 on the one side to the main ocean on the other, pro- 
 tected by an amazingly strong dyke, running half a 
 mile in front of the line. In this position we re- 
 mained umnolested until the 10th of September, on 
 
 * Aftcrwartls 8ir Ji.>lia Mooro, who tell at Corunna. 
 
lU 
 
 I.IFK AVI) lORUEfiPONDKVri: OF 
 
 uliloli (lav the CTicmy made a niO!«'t dcsporate attack 
 i?i thrco c'oliirnn«. tno on tho rij^lii unci one on tlic 
 ccn/iv of rlie liac: lio «;()uld not avoid bcini; huaton. 
 Hi it was llio most irnmlicioiis step irnaLriiiiiblo, and 
 liis loss was in jHoportion vory great. 'Mk; (.Miards, 
 '^Otb, 'ind 4(.)fl), acicd oonHpiouoiis |)arth in tliis allair. 
 TIio 49tli w;iH Jjoro a«:rain out of the way, with tho 
 t':<.ot'[Uiori indct'ti ol' Savory, whom noihini;^ ooidd 
 kcap from j.roinf,'' to sop what was doin«jf on iho ri^ht, 
 and as it happ'MK.d ho provi.'d of tircat n-o to Co'onel 
 .Smith,* \v]iom ]h- assisted from t.lio ficid after being 
 ■wounded. The I'n'ti< li soldier was taught to con- 
 sltler the I^'itish troops as tfjo most nndisci))lined 
 rabble io tin? ivorld, und he advanced, conrnlent of 
 eonqHenr ; but t!ti^ affair, and others \vlnch followed, 
 made him very soo'i ohanife his oj)inion. NVtIiing 
 remarkable uoourred aftei* this until the arrival of 
 the Duke of \o\-],. with tla; remainder of tiie British 
 troops and ](),<>'>0 Uussians, which, incnjased tiie 
 army to about "Vj,'i(X> men. Continued rain, how- 
 ever, prevented any thin^ being done before the IHtb, 
 when tiie whole army was put in motion. Sii- Ralph 
 took 1'2,<»(K), of which the 4th brinade formed a 
 ]>ar{, to the. left on the eveuinijj preoedinp-, and -i^ot 
 possession of the ciiv of Horn tb<' fulloNvinu' morning 
 at iUiyii«;!jt, witiiont a shot being tired: "20<» prisoners 
 were takun. iTorn is a vory jiopnlous, handsome 
 eity, and evidently in the interest of tl)e Prinec of 
 Oranf^e. Nothing' eoull exceed the joy of the inha- 
 bitaiits at our arrival, and in proportion as they 
 rejoieed they inouincd our dej)arture, which took 
 place before suu-sei, in consequence of a fatal dis- 
 aster which had bt fallen the Russians on the right. 
 They of course 'brew ilie blame otl their own siioul- 
 ders, and wisaed to attribute the whole misfortuiie to 
 the Avant of concert and a proper support on the part 
 
 ' Lieut-Coluncl !>niirli, crnnmiindinjr the yot.h, a nati\'e oi Giuriisoy, 
 uftcrwaiils C'l.ilonol Sn ( tHiij^t- Simtli, Midc-dccami) to the king He (iii;<l 
 at Cuili?,, iji .'.-ioo, iuul vva.'5 u 'listiugiii^lKd utticor. 
 
 M 
 
sin i«*A'' iinofK. 
 
 II 
 
 * 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 of till! Uritisli ; bul 1 vtrily hcliovo ilio roal fact to 
 hf. tliis. After niosT ^^ulliintly ilriviii«r the vimny 
 hcfoyr tliom ;is liir mn Ucr'^'.n, wlirn- if wiisju'vimisly 
 tirr:iii'4<il lli<.'\ slioulil halt, ihi-y disporsuil for thosuko 
 vl |.hindor ; -— the Im-imicIi hiMriiiii; of thi.-. disonkr, 
 ronewcd tlie attaoK\ u\v\ nt?vcr jritve the Jtussians an 
 opportunity to form, but coiitirmcfl drivinjr tlicin 
 witii 'he hayuhvt until tlioy oiioouiitorcd a hody of 
 En-xlisii, wndrr (ioiiorul Alamu-rs and Prince Wil- 
 liam, whoso brij;nd(.'.«i (intloit") r-onsidorahly. The 
 Uu'isians were, however, thus hapjiily enalded to 
 effect their retreat without further molest'ition ; they 
 were ctrtriinh the orifjrinal tun-ie uf this disaster, hut 
 whether the British wen; sutheiently hrl^k in coniin'^ 
 to their a.-sistarieo is doubted. I'ho Huspians in tiicir 
 persons arc rather short of stature, and very thick 
 und cdurnsy ; they have nothinii: expressive in their fea- 
 tures, whieh re>-end)Io inueh tlie (Jluncso conntenanoe. 
 T remarked an exception to this rule in a j^ronadier 
 battalion, who, with tall, elej^anf person^!, j)ossc8se(l 
 roninrkably Hne, cunnnandiiiir face?. The oilicers in 
 f^eueral are the most des(»icable wretches I ever saw : 
 accustomed, as they have always b<?cn, to fitxht -with 
 troo|)S inueh ini'erior to themselves, they thouglit 
 themselves invincible.* TJiey take the field with an 
 immense number of artillery, with which thev cover 
 their front and Ihmks, and thus never dreamed it 
 possible, from their former experience, for troops to 
 
 * As this cliaractrr nf ihc Kii';sian nffiuors iiuiy he tliou(.'lu too sovrre, 
 wo L'ivo Hie followiiiir cciiifinuatinii ni its c(>rrrttiu's-> . " Tlu; Russi.iii 
 was so hnn\)ili'(l liv tae ilisasti r at Brrgcri, that, in all tlio saliscqui^nt. 
 Mft'air.s in noUiind, lu' >fH'nH'(l to In- an iinwiiliiijc actor. In ailvanoinijf to 
 tlic ficlo, 'he si.l'Jicr^ (liopi>(;(l (<fi uooasioaally t'rnni tin'' advancijit; lines ;, 
 ••^vin ofti(X'i-i as!iinni'd the rkitrogradc. One gunLral literally ran away; 
 another, w'onndi'il as it svirc liy ihc fii>l lire, rt'ttr..'il " — T/ir Foi iit'itioit, 
 IHsvifiline, and hlconotnij nf Ai'inits, hij liuberl Jackson, M . D. Thn'tl 
 Edition, LnlKfi'ii, 18Jj. 
 
 rt is ndded Uiat the former general was cashieri'd hy the F.mpcror Paul, 
 in a f.assion, und it is iu^inuati'd that the latter wounded himself. The 
 .ireneral who was eastiirrtd, instead i,i' b'.'ing' •^liiinned and des|)i.sed by 
 th(? Russian oflieei.s, was f-ven recaled liy them, prior to his return home, 
 ami ^-alkeil abont as if nothint? had hapjieneil; thus nftbrdinf? a striking 
 e.vHnuil( of the trivial light iii whieh military cowardice was then r<^-- 
 (iardod in Russia 
 
12 
 
 LIFE AND CORnESPONDKXCE OF 
 
 rally after bpinrj once beaten. This Altai security 
 was the cause of the inisfortujie which befel the allies 
 on the IDth. After the retreat from Horn, tlie 4th 
 brigade took its station on the rinht, prejiaratory 
 evidently to its being actively onployed ; according- 
 ly, 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,(KJ0 men, which was to proceed along 
 the beach to Egmoi)t-oj)-Zee. After every thing had 
 been properly arranged, it moved forward, supported 
 by 1,0{X) cavalry, under Lord Paget. It was in- 
 tended that the reserve, under Colonel M' Donald, 
 should cover our ilank, and that i.he column should 
 rapidly advance to Egmont, in order to turn the 
 flank of the enemy at Bergen. This was, however, 
 prevented by a oUong body of the enemy, who 
 engaged the reserve the moment it ascended the sand 
 hills ; and aitliough he retreated before the reserve, 
 he constrained Colonel INl'Donald to follow in a dif- 
 ferent 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 pro- 
 ceeded five or six miles that we found the least 
 opposition. The enemy then ap{»eared in small 
 force, and the ^oth was ordered up the sand hills, 
 but, he having increased, the 79th followed, and it 
 Avas not long before the 49th was also ordered to 
 form on the left of lliat regiment. It is impossible 
 to give you an aderjuate 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 ilank was already turned, and that the 
 ground whioli 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 
 ray 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, how- 
 
 M 
 
 ••s, 
 
 ^. 
 
 
 ,.■1^. 
 
srn rsAAf brock. 
 
 I 'J 
 
 H 
 
 
 
 ever, contintieJ advancing with six companios, and 
 left Colonel Sheaile \vitli the otiior four to cover our 
 left ; the in«tunt 1 cauio up to the 79th, 1 ordert-d 
 a charge, which I assure you was executed with the 
 utmost gallantry, though not in the ijreatesi order, 
 as the nature of the j^round admitted of none. The 
 enemy, however, oave way on every side, and our 
 loss would have been very trifling had the 70tli 
 charged straightforward ; hut unfortunately it fol- 
 lowed the couri-e the 41)th had taken, thereby leaving 
 our right entirely exposed. I detached Lord Ayl- 
 nier* with the grenadiers, who, after charging dif- 
 ferent times, totally cleared our rigiit. The 2151 h 
 then advanced, and behaved with die greatest good 
 conduct. The enemy after this never attempted to 
 make a stand, but continued to retveat, and their loss 
 on this occasion was very considerable. Nothing 
 could exceed the gallantry of tlie 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 com- 
 pany to the attack in a most soldier-like manner; 
 and e .en 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 ef- 
 fectually obeyed : he is an irreparable loss to the 
 service. I got knocked down s 'on 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 tiie whole of tlie day as aide- 
 de-camp eitlier to Sir Ralph or Moore, and nothing" 
 could surpass his activity and gallantry. He had a 
 liorse shot under him, and had all this been in his 
 line, he must have been particularly noticed, as he 
 
 * The present General I.ortl Ajlnier, G. C. 13., fortnerly governor. 
 jjeiu-ral f,{ British North America, He was tlicn a captain in the igth. 
 >^t■(; Al>pcndi.\; A, Sec. 1, No 1 
 
14 
 
 LIFE AND COmiESPONDENCE OP 
 
 has become tlic astonishment of all wiio saw him. 
 We remained that night and the following; on the 
 sand hills; you cannot conceiNe 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 
 (oth) into Alkmaur, where we enjoyed ourselves 
 auazinclv, Alkraaar is a most deli"htful citv ; but 
 the iidiabitants are rank patriots, and none of the 
 higher class remained to welcome our arrival. The 
 following day another engagement ensued, in con- 
 sequence 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 <^he 
 expedition to Holland, as what remains to be added, 
 you will see fully detailed in the papers. I go to 
 iVorwich, where the regiment is quartered, this eve- 
 ning. Another expedition is talked of, under Lord 
 Moira. Adieu." 
 
 A young Irishman of a family probably superior 
 to his station, as his talents certainly were, joined 
 the 49th on Barhani Downs, near Canterburv, on the 
 <3th of August, 17VH), and was soon after present a^ ihe 
 battle of Egmont-op-Zee, being the first affair in 
 which he was seriously engaged. Colonel J3rock 
 quickly discovered his merits, and with a discrimi- 
 nation which does honor to both, appointed liim 
 sergeant-major two or three years afterwards, and 
 in 1800 procured him an ensigncy in his own regi- 
 ment, and made him adjutant, a promotion which 
 his subsequent ability and gallantry as an officer fully 
 justified. Wo trust that we do not betrav the con- 
 fidence of one for whom we entertain vory sincere 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 15 
 
 esteem and respect, cs|»pcinlly because lie makes no 
 secret of his lowly beginning, in givintr the following 
 particulars in, as nearly as j)ossible, his own words : 
 
 •* After the deployment of the 49th on the sand 
 hills, I saw no more of Lieut. -Colonel Brock, being 
 separated from him with tliat part of the regiment 
 detached under Lieut. -Colonel Sheaffe. Soon after 
 Tve commenced firing upon the enemy — and at inter- 
 vals rushing from one line of sand hills to another, 
 and behind which the soldiers were made to cover 
 themselves, and fire over their summits — I saw, at 
 some distance to my right, Savery Brock, the pay- 
 master, passing from the top of one sand hill to 
 another, directing and encouraging the men. He 
 alone kept continually on the tops of the hills during 
 the firing, and at every advance from one range to 
 another, he led the men, and again was seen above 
 all the others. Not doubting !.)ut that great numbers 
 of the French soldiers would be continuallv aiming 
 at hira — a large man thus exi)()sed — I watched from 
 moment to moment to see him fall, but for about two 
 hours, while in my view, he remained untouched. 
 
 '' Beinn; at this time onlv ei[>'htcen years of age, 
 and not nine months from my parents'' firc-sidc in 
 a remote village in Ireland, T did not venture to give 
 any orders or instnn;tions, although a sergeant, lest 
 I should do wrony; — but after witnessing Saverv 
 Brock's conduct, I determined to be the first to 
 advance every time at the head of those around me, 
 and T soon saw that of those wlio were most prompt 
 to follow me, fewer fell by the enemy's fire than I 
 witnessel falling of those more in our rear; and we 
 repeatedly made the remark one to another. I made 
 up my mind, therefore, to think no more, if possible, 
 of my own life, but leave tht; cai'e of it to Divine 
 Providence, and strain every nerve to do my duty ; — 
 during a service of some extent in afterlife, I was 
 abundantly confirmed in the wisdom of this decision. 
 
 " I make this statement to show that to the con- 
 
1() 
 
 LIFE AND ronHESrOXDEXCK OF 
 
 duct of Savory Brock on that day, I was indebted 
 for this vahiablo exaniplo and lesson. Ahout o 
 o'clock, p.m. on the same day, wljilo ovor-heedlessly 
 ruiinin'j; too far alicad of my men, I was cut off by 
 some rrcnch soldiers, who issued from behind a 
 sand hill on ni\ Haid;, and made me prisoner, alone. 
 
 *' Ai'ter my re'urn from prison in January follow- 
 ing, I lieard the soldiers repeat Colonel Brock's 
 words to llic paymaster, when he first saw him 
 amontr the men in action on that dav — " By the 
 Lord Harry, master Savery, did "I not order you, 
 unless you remained with the general, to stay with 
 your iron chest? Go back to it, sir, immediatel}'," — 
 to which he answered playfully — '• Mind your regi- 
 ment, Master Isaac, you would not have me quit the 
 field now .'" — and the soldiers delighted in repeating 
 this dialogue to their comrades, and also to the re- 
 cruits and volunteers, from time to time, after their 
 joining the regiment." 
 
 In the victory of Egmont-op-Zee, seven pieces of 
 cannon, a great number of tumbrils, and a few- 
 hundred prisoners, were taken, and tlie loss of the 
 enemy was estimated as exceeding 4,(KK) men. But 
 only four days after, in the battle of the (ith of Octo- 
 ber, in Avhlcli the 49th was not engaged, the Ljuglish 
 and liussians, after gaining some advantage, were 
 suddenly charged by the enemy's cavalry and sepa- 
 rated, 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 re- 
 sources from the country in their possession, their 
 supplies' were necessarily obtained from the fleet. 
 The Duke of York, therefore, assembled u council 
 of war, whose decision was, that the allied forces 
 should fall back and await the instructions of the 
 British Government. As the season was so far ad- 
 vanced ; us the approach of winter was daily making 
 
SIH ISAAC BROCK- 
 
 17 
 
 the navigation of titc coast more dangerous ; and, as 
 there was no time to ettoct diversions or to clianjre 
 the ])l;tn of operations, the Duke of York was ordered 
 to evaoiiate the country. In the meanwhile, as the 
 Englisli and Russians concentraied 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 arniV. This was agreed to at Alkmaar, on the 
 IHth of October, and thus ended this memorable 
 expedition, the most considerable that had been 
 attempted in modern times np 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 (),000 
 were quartered in the latter island, where a disease, 
 contracted by exposure to the marshy grounds of 
 Holland, carried off sorje hundreds, who were bu- 
 ried at the foot of the hill on which stands Vale 
 Castle, and where tlieir graves are still to be seen. 
 Their conduct in Guernsey was at first peaceable 
 and orderly; — the inhabitants were surprised at see- 
 ing them eat the grease from the ca/t wheels ; they 
 were also excessivoly fond of ardent spirits, and, 
 having plenty of money, they indulged in theui 
 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 
 stealing vegetables on a small farm, which had been 
 frequently ))lundered by his comrades before, was 
 fired nt, and wounded by the proprietor. This so 
 exasperated the whole body, that apprehensions were 
 entertained of tlieir revenging themselves on the in- 
 habitants generally ; and as the British garrison was 
 \ery small, it required all the tact and conciliation 
 of the lieutenant-governor. Sir Hew Dairy mple, to 
 prevent an outbreak. The Russians embarked, but in 
 
 (!l''.JW6W,f'V«i 
 
is 
 
 LIVE AND COHHF.SPONDENCE OF 
 
 such a svtllcn mood of mind, that the fj^nm at Castle 
 Cornet \v»irc kofit sliofted to prevent their relandiug-.* 
 The 4'.)r,h, on the return of the expedition from 
 Holland, after remaining a short time in England, 
 was again rpiarteied in Jersey, where the fine person 
 and nianly ^earing of Lieut. -Cohinel Brock arc still 
 favorably' reinen.licred. in return for the many 
 attentions M-hich lie and his otlicer.s received in iliat 
 island, lie obtained an ensigncy in his own regiment 
 tor a yonng man resident there, whom he afterwards 
 pushed forward in the service, and vvlio died recently 
 a major-general and u companion of the bath. While 
 the regiment was quartered in Jersey, he was absi nt 
 for a fesv months on leave, in the year 1800, during 
 wLich period the junior lieutenant-colonel in com- 
 mand incurred the dislike of the men by his lan- 
 guage and manner toward them. On Col ncl Brock's 
 return, he attended the first regimental morning 
 parade on the sands in front of the barracks at St. 
 Helier, the junior lieutenant-colonel accompanying 
 him. The regiment was in open column, standing 
 at ease. As soon as Colonel Brock was recognized 
 by tlie men, they gave him three loud cheers ! 
 \shereiipon he instantly marched them into the bar- 
 
 rack 
 
 3l 
 
 ]uare 
 
 severely rebuked them for their most 
 
 nnmilitary conduct, and confined thorn to their 
 barracks for a xvcek. 
 
 ^Ve corae noM' lo the celebrated attack of Copen- 
 hagen by Lord iVelson, on the 2d of April, 1801, ,in 
 which Lieut. -Colonel Brock was second in command 
 of the land forces. On the 27th February of that 
 year, tlie 49U! regiment, then about 7<iO i-ank and file, 
 embarked at Portsmouth on board Nelson's squadron 
 there, which got under ^eigh at daylight the next 
 morning, and proceeded to the Downs. The squad- 
 ron ne.vt sailed for Yarmouth roads, where his 
 lordship placed himself under Sir Hyde Parker, 
 
 * DiHtran'!) Elistory of Guernsey. 
 
 ! 
 
 
ft 
 
 sin ISAAC DKOCK. 
 
 U) 
 
 tljo commandcr-iii-ohief of the fleet destined for tlie 
 Baltic. Nelson was anxious to proceed with tlic 
 utmost dispfitcli, and with sucli ships as were in 
 readiness, to tlie Danish capital, so as to anticipate 
 by the rapidity of his movements tlie formidable pre- 
 parations for defence which the Danes had scarcely 
 thought of at that early season; but to his annoyance, 
 the tieel, which consisted of about fifty sail, of which 
 forty-one pendants, inoludiufif sixteen of the line, did 
 not leave Yarmouth roads until the ]2th of March. 
 The land forces were equally distributed on board of 
 the line of battle ships. On the Tf>th the fleet was 
 in '^ome measure scattered by a heavy gale of wind, 
 wliich prevented its reaching the Naze until the 18th. 
 The next day the fleet appears to have been purposely 
 detained off" the Scaw, and did not reach Elsinore 
 until tlie 24th. Here a few days were lost in de- 
 liberation, and it was not until the 30th of March 
 that the fleet proceeded through the Sound with a 
 topsail breeze from N. W. The semi-circular form 
 of the land off' Elsinore, which was thickly studded 
 with batteries, caused the ships to pass in a form 
 tndy picturesque and nearly similar, but the forbear- 
 ance of the Swedes, wJio did not fire a gun, happily 
 enabled tliom to incline towards the Swedish shore, 
 so as to avoid the Danish shot, which fell in showers, 
 but at least a cable's length from the ships. The 
 whole fleet came to an anchor about mid-day between 
 the i.slaud of Huen and Copenhagen, and it .vas soon 
 perceived that tlie various delays had. enabled the 
 Danes to line the shoals near the Crown batteries, 
 and the '^•'ont of the harbour with a formidable flo- 
 tilla.'^' When the preparations for the attack were 
 completed. Lieut. -Colonel Tirock was appointed to 
 lead tlie 49th in storming the principal Treckroner 
 or Crown battery, in conjunction with five hundred 
 seamen under Captain Freniantle, as soon as its 
 
 I' 
 
 ■ ! 
 
 ! ! 
 
 ■I 
 
 ■i i 
 
 * Colonel the Honorable W. Stewart's " Narrative of Events connected 
 with the Coudiict of l.fU'cl Nelson in tho Baltic, 1801." 
 
20 
 
 l.HE AND CORRKSPONnKXCE 01- 
 
 tire of nearly seventy guns sliould be silenced ; but 
 the protracted und heroic defence of (he Danes 
 rcnderin|r tiie altempt impracticable, Colonel Brock, 
 during the hard-fonght battle, remained on board the 
 Ganges, of 74 guns, commanded by Cajjtain Fre- 
 mantle, with the light company and the bfmd ; and 
 at its close he accompanied Captain Frenjantle to the 
 Elephant, 74, Xelson's flag ship, where he saw the 
 hero write his celebrated letter to the Crown Prince 
 of ^Denmark. Savery Brock was also on board the 
 Ganges, and while on one knee, in the act of pointing 
 one of lier quarter deck guns, his hat was torn from 
 liis head by a grape shot : a naval officer, mIio was 
 present, afterwards described the scene which follow- 
 ed this narrow escape, in these words : " I now hear 
 the Colonel 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 
 etfect of the shot passing so near him was sucli that, 
 although a remarkably powerful young man, six feet 
 two inches in height, he was knocked backwards and 
 stunned for the moment. We are indebted to the 
 same officer, Captain Percy Grace, R. N., who was 
 then a midshipman of the Ganges, for the followin^j 
 anecdote. In the early part of the action, when it 
 was expected that the 49th would land to storm the 
 batteries, Savery expressed his intention of going in 
 the boats, and thus sharing the danger with his 
 brother, who insisted on his remaining on board, 
 observing — " Is it not enough that one brother should 
 be killed or drowned?" Savery still persisted, and 
 his brother begged of Captain Fremantle to use Jiis, 
 authority to keep the paymaster on board, as he 
 would not obey him. " My dear Brock," said the 
 Captain, "you must remain — take charge of this 
 gun — as captain of it, it will amuse you." Savery 
 was fain to comply, and his narrow escape doubtless 
 
 i 
 
SIR ISAAC BROrK. 
 
 21 
 
 ;;, f^ 
 
 tended to ol)lItcrfttc the unplfasantnoss of the dii^oiis- 
 sioii frciin tlit- njind of tlio elder brotlicr. Of tlie 
 41)tli, (.'iiptain Sliarp wns Vtadly voundod on Ijoiird 
 of ihc Iklloiia, ;ind Lienleiiant l"'"^nni8 wa- woinidnd 
 on board ot the Monarcli, which n\* had ?>»j killod 
 and ir).5 wounded, exchisive of officers, but inrbidin<jj 
 8 soldiers of the 49th killod, and 2(> wounded. In 
 addition to the 4iHh, a oompany of a rifle corps 
 (.subscq icntly the Oolh regiment) 100 rank and tile, 
 was embarked under Captain Sidney Beckwith. 
 Lieut. -Colonel the Ifonorabio William Stewart,* 
 of that corps, was senior otiieer of the troops cm- 
 barked, and, as sucli, his name was included in tho 
 thanks of Parliament, of which lie was a member at 
 this time; but we cannot understand why a lieute- 
 nant-colonel, with only one comj)any, was placed over 
 the head of an officer of equal rard< with liis entire 
 reiiiment. unless indeed the cause was that Lieut. - 
 ( oloiiel Brock was not an '' lionorable," and had not 
 a seat in the House of Commons ! Wo are not aware 
 that he ever complained of what appears to us to 
 have been an act of injustice to liim, and we may 
 th(>reforo be u ron^' in our a iew of the subject. — The 
 British loss, m killed and w'ounded, was 943, or 48 
 more than fell at the battle of the Nile. In mention- 
 ing' tho loss atCopetd)a<^en, Southey, in his admirable 
 Life of Nelson, says, on w'uU; authority we know 
 not : '' E*art of this slaufjhter mij^ht have been spared. 
 The comrf7andin;2,' officer of the troops on board of 
 one of our ships, asked where his men should be 
 stationed ? He was told that thev could be of no 
 use ; that they were not near enough for musquetry, 
 and were not wanted at the guns; they had, there- 
 fore, better go below. This, he said, was impossible 
 — it would be a disgrace that could never be wiped 
 away. They were, therefore, drawn upon the gang- 
 way, to satisfy this cruel point of honor ; and there, 
 
 * Afiurvvrtrds SirW. Stewart. G.C.B., wiin oommaii(le(" a division ii' 
 Uie I'eiiinsular war , ht- wa^ u son cC tin- Earl of tialiowav. 
 
22 
 
 LIFK AMD COHIli:.SI»ONDEN« K OP 
 
 wltliout the possihilify of .'innovitif!: tho onrmy, tlicy 
 Avoro mowed dunii I Tlic loss of tlio Darus, including; 
 ])ri!ioners, utuountcd to aliout (5,(KK)." 
 
 John Savcry Brook, of whose fjallaiitry mention U 
 niado ill llio prcc(.'diii;j: p:iffcs, was tJic next youiifror 
 brother of JJeut.-(-oioiiol J3rock, and had Ijecii in ihe 
 navv J hut it heiiijr supposed that he was influential, 
 in the vear 171H.), in indiiciiij^ his hrolhor midship- 
 men, of the tlcet at Spilhead, to sign a round robin 
 apjainst tlieir beins' subjected to the practice of mast- 
 headincf — 'One having been lioisted up to the gafl'end 
 in an ignomi»iious manner, because he refused to goto 
 the nuist head as a punishment— -he was recommend- 
 ed privately to retire from the service.* Being at 
 this time a tall and high spirited younj: man of 
 eighteen, it is not surprising that he deemed such 
 a puhislinuMit unnecessarily degrading to the feelings 
 of an otticer, and which lias since been very properly 
 abolislied. ilad it not been for tiiis cireu.i stance, it 
 is the opinion of a naval officer of higl. rank, that 
 Savery Jirock Avould have distinguished h'.mseif and 
 risen to eminence in the nav) during the late revo- 
 lutionary wars. — Some little time after this affair, 
 being in Guernsey, he wislied to go to England, 
 and was oifered a jiassage in liie Amazon, frigate, 
 Captain Ueynol.ls, afterwards Jlear-Admiral Kcy- 
 nolds, mIio perished in the 8t (..'eorge, of 98 guns, 
 on her return from tlie Baltic, in l^iVl. The Amazon, 
 bound to Portsmouth, left the roadstead late in the 
 afternoon, and bel'ore she was clear of the small 
 Rus^el — a dangerous passage — night o\erlook her. 
 By some aecideuL tie pilot mistook the bearings, 
 owing to the darkness and thick weather. Savery 
 Brock, beijig acquainted with the intricate course, 
 
 * Wlulo the al)0'."i' wns in xy\n;, tlie Duke of Rutland visited riucrnscy 
 ill hi-, yacht, ami wroic tlic f'olluvvinii tioti- at Octroit, tlie resideuco of tin; 
 once outcast, niiddj, on wliom, whik' wo wviti.- tliis, the hand of death 
 is but too ajiparoiit " Tin: Duke ot RiiUai)d called to jiay his respects 
 to Mr. Savtrv Drock, and sjncorelv regrets to find that he is so unwell, 
 Satiirdav. Julv ;:i. isu" 
 
 U 
 
 . 
 
SIR iSAilt MiCH. K. 
 
 23 
 
 ,1 
 
 was on tli(* fore yard lookint; om. when T" «jii(l(1enly 
 
 fspiccl 11 sriKill cluster of rock 'owards h'tcli lU^ 
 
 frigate was stccririir. There was no time t ,■ cowji) • 
 
 • • • 1 * 
 
 nication, and, without hesitutint; an instant, he cr 4 
 
 out in true nautical style: ''Il-a-r-d up, h-a-r-d u ,«/' 
 •* Il-a-r-d up it is," replied the helsnian. " II-»i -d 
 up,'' repeated Savory in a louder key, "(fenfl\, 
 yoiint; man," said the captain, who was standing 
 forward. The ship fortunately bore away just in 
 time to clear the recks, and was thus saved by the 
 ])rompt interference of her passenger. Wo have often 
 heard him in his latter davs tell the story with excu- 
 sable pride, and he especially reniendiered 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. /Vs he was without employment, his brother 
 Isaac subs(f|uontIy procured him the paymastership 
 of the 4*.)tli, which he retained only three or four 
 years, the office being one quite uniitted to his pre- 
 vious education and active n)ind. In 1808, his 
 military zeal induced him to serve for a short time 
 as an amateur aide-de-camp to >Sir John Moore, in 
 the i*eiiinsula. lie 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 tl'ree 
 years before his a])pearance on the London boards, 
 >Savery Brock was enthusiastic in his admiration, and 
 }tredieted the future eminence of that celebrated 
 tragedian, in whose memoirs his name is gratefully 
 mentioned. 
 
 ! I 
 
 
 
 " >"i':f ^r!'i|':->,!f,y,i,<r;^iN vvt ..,- > 
 
24 
 
 1,11 E AM) ( OHIlliSPONDENCE ()1< 
 
 CIIAPTKR II. 
 
 i 
 
 On its return from Cnpcnlmgcri to Eiiglurid, the 40tli 
 \vas collected at Colclicstcr, iiiid in the spririj^ foilow- 
 inf^, (IH()2,) till' regiment sailed for Catiada, which 
 country was destined to hcstow on it niiiny additional 
 laurels, as well as to he the scene of the fame and 
 death of its connnanding officer. At this period, de- 
 sertion amonj; the troop.*, in hoth provinecy was, as it 
 has heen of late years, very juevaloiit ; and, attached 
 as his men were to him, Lieut. -(Jolonel Brock could 
 scarcely Jiopc that they would escape the general 
 contagion, lie, however, lost only one man from 
 the several posts under his personal command dnring 
 the three years of his regimental service, in Montreal, 
 York, Fort Oieorgo, and, lastly, Quehec ; and that 
 man deserted from INIontreal soon after his arrival 
 there, in Septemher, 1802. In the fall of that year, 
 an educated soldier, named Carr, was observed by 
 Colonel Brock to salute him with less apparent con- 
 fidence and manliness than usual, and hence he. 
 inferred that Carr would desert as soon as the river 
 St. Lawrence became frozen over. He ordered the 
 sergeant-major — the same gallant Irishman whom 
 we have mentioned in the last chapter — to bring the 
 man before Iiim, and he was produced forthwith. 
 The colonel directly charged Carr with intending to 
 desert, aiul told him that lie would probably vseduce 
 other men to desert with him : he added, even if 
 they should escape into the United States, that they 
 would be there treated like wretched peijurori?, which 
 
 
siK IMAAI liKO( K. 
 
 20 
 
 1 
 
 ,i 
 
 ill fmrt fijoy would iImmi Ik', and would curso tlie duy 
 oil wliich tli(;y coiimiilhd Mich it orimr. "Manfully 
 tell me iIk; truth!" ('iirr hesituted, and stiininiorcd 
 ouf ii (lonitil. The rohjnid (juirkly stepped up to liiai 
 with hi> ihi ch'ii'dicil, and said : " l).»n't piovaricatt; 
 — tell 1110 tile trutli, like a man — you know 1 Iiave 
 always treated you kindly ! " The man eoid'esscd 
 that ho and oertuin others had agreed to desert. 
 " Cio, thou," rejoined the coIomoI, "go and toll those 
 do]ud»;d men all that lias passed here — that notwith- 
 standing what you have told me, 1 will still treat 
 every one ot' you with kindness, and you may then 
 all desert from me if you please." 
 
 In the summer following, Lli; it. -Colonel Brock 
 was st&lloiifcd at Vork, from whcnee six of his men 
 deserf(!d, having- been sod need by a corporal of the 
 41st regiment, who had been left there as an nrtifi(rer. 
 At midnight, the sergeant of the guard informed the 
 sergeant-major that three of his men uere missing, 
 and iliut a boat was taken from a slied in »liarge of 
 one of Ills sentries, who liad also disappeared. The 
 sergeanl-major instantly rejiorted the oireumstanoe 
 to the fiolonel, who ordered iiim to man a bateau 
 immedialeiy, with a sergeant and twelve privates of 
 the light eompau}', which was done ; and at tlie same 
 time iho roll w .s called in the bar ack rooms, when 
 it was ascertained that three other men were also 
 missing, as well as the corporal of the 41st. At 
 half-past twelve, the colonel himself embarked in tlie 
 bateau, taking his trusty sergeant-major with liim. 
 They pulled directly for Niagara, at this point thirty 
 miles across. Fortunately, the weather continued 
 calm, and they reached Niagara the following 
 morning, whence Colonel Brock at once directed a 
 lieutenant (Chessliirej and a party of die detachment 
 stationed tben , to proceed in a bateau along the Ame- 
 rican shore of T,ake Ontario, while with liis own boat 
 he returned towards York, by coasting along the 
 west end of the lak(?, so as to intercejit the deserters, 
 c 
 
 i: 
 
 u\ 
 
 I 
 
I 
 
 •2(> 
 
 LIFE AND COKUESI'OXDENCE OF 
 
 should they Imvo taken tlmt courso. Tliey, however, 
 
 had crossed tin; hike direct to (lie Arrieriean «liore, 
 
 and were o\'ertaken hy the |)firty from Ninijura, 
 
 every man being brouj^lit back. The inaniier in 
 
 which ihc fii<2:itives were captured deserves mention. 
 
 The detaeliincnt sent in pnryuit from Fort Georga 
 
 was iH'Coni|)niiied by an Indiiui, wlio, arf(n' ^ome 
 
 time, advcd permission to land, that he mi*,d)t shoot 
 
 on shore, keeping; wifhin a short distance of the boat 
 
 as it coasted the lake. He unexpectedly met the 
 
 deserters in their red jackets in the woods, and at 
 
 once running to the hdvc, he hailed, the officer, and 
 
 informed him of what he had seen. The officer and 
 
 his parly immediately landed, and set out in pursuit; 
 
 thev walked a frAv miles on a very hot day, but were 
 
 unable to discover the fugitives, and some of the 
 
 party asked leave to go to the lake side to quench 
 
 their thirst. WJiile drinking, they saw two or three 
 
 of the deserters approaching Jbr the same purpose, 
 
 and having becnred them, they quickly overtook the 
 
 remainder. Had the American government been 
 
 aware of the circumstance, they probably would have 
 
 considered it as a violation of their trirritory. No 
 
 other desertions occurred from any post personally 
 
 comniandeil by CohDncl Brock in Canada. It was 
 
 said that Lieut. -General Hunter, who commanded 
 
 the trooj^B in botii provinces, and was then in York, 
 
 cxjtressed lu's displeasure to the colonel for his so 
 
 rasld\ venturing in an open boat, w.iich was never 
 
 known to have crossed tlie hdce before. 
 
 In the same summer of 1803, soon after the cap- 
 ture of tlicbc deserters, a very serious conspiracy 
 was on the point of being carried into execution bv 
 the detachment of the 49th in garrison at Fort 
 (Jeorge, under tlie command of the junior lieute- 
 nant-colonel. The intention of the mutineers was 
 to confine tlm officers in (he cells, in which several 
 deserters were then imprisoned, while they marched 
 to Queenslon, seven miles distant, and there crossed 
 
 
SIR ISAAC HllOCK. 
 
 27 
 
 over hy tlio ferry to tlic State of New York. Bui 
 it is the belief of an oiWcer of tlx/ 41)tl), tliat hafl the 
 mntineers succeeded, the life of Lieut. -Colonel Siieatfc 
 would httvc been saoriiiced. This design to effect 
 their escaj)C by force appears to have arisen partly 
 from the hars;*h language and stringent regulations 
 of the commanding officer, who, however, inflicted 
 as little corj)oral punishment as possible ; and partly 
 from tlic natural impatience of the men under the 
 restraints of disciplitui in a rrniole spot, M'hich, 
 from its ])roximity to the American frontier, seemed 
 to invite desertion. TJk.' vigilance required to 
 counteract this discontented feeling must have in- 
 creased its intensity ; but as Lieut. -Colonel Brock 
 lost not a man ■when ho assumed the command, it is 
 evident tliat confidence and kindness Avoidd have 
 been the better course. The manner in wliich the 
 conspiracy was discovered and suppressed would 
 seem to warrant the remark, that triilh is often 
 stranger than fiction ; and. the following details par- 
 take so much of romance, that we feel called upozi 
 to say that we liave obtained them from an officer of 
 the 41)th, who was present on the occasion. 
 
 Major Wulff, of the Royal Artillery,* was quar- 
 tered at this time at Niagara. His servant returning 
 across the coinmon from Fort George to his master's 
 quarters in the town, met a soldier of the 41)th, 
 Fitzpatriek by name, running towards the fort, and 
 was stopped and asked, by him the hour of the day. 
 On being told. Fitzpatriek exclaimed: "Thank God, 
 1 will not be too late for the roll call at dinner, for 
 
 if 1 were, that tyrant, , would send mo to 
 
 knapsack drill for a u'cek. fiut, by God!" — and 
 he muttered something of a threatening character, 
 too indistinct however foi the servant to understand, 
 as he ran oft' again towards the fort. The soldier's 
 remark and manner made such an impression on the 
 servant's mind, that he at once reported the circum- 
 
 * The present (irncral Wulfil, who onti'ioil tln' Artillerv in 177!^ 
 
 

 28 
 
 LITE AM) COHKIssPONHENrE OF 
 
 I 
 
 stance to l»is master, who immediately Avent over to 
 the fort, distant about half a mile, and repeated to 
 Colonel Sheatfe Avhiit liis servant had tohl him. 
 Fitzpatrick was instantly sent for ; and, on being 
 interrogated, sliewcd such symptoms of guilt, ul- 
 thougli lie confessed nothing, that he was ordered 
 to be put in irons, and shut up in one of the cells 
 attached to the garrison guard-house. His confine- 
 ment, and in irons, of course became quickly known 
 in the garrison ; and thereupon a soldier of the 
 regiment, named Daly, a servant of Captain Dennis, 
 confessed to his master tliat he was one of the con- 
 spirators, having become sucli through the persuasion 
 of Sergeant Clarke. Now, Daly had been enlisted 
 by this sergeant in Ireland the previous year, and 
 had joined the regiment with him but a i'ew weeks 
 before. He stated that, some days antecedently, 
 S'rgeant Clarke had nuide known to him Jie exist- 
 ence of the consj)iracy, and had invited him to join 
 in it, when he answered : '' For (iod's sake, do not 
 make known to me any of your proceedings, for I 
 must take care of myself for the sake of my wife 
 and children." But the sergeant, who had not oniv 
 employed ])aly to servo liim occasio?jally, bit whose 
 wife was his washeruonum, considered him as de- 
 voted to him, and insisted on his joining the 
 conspirators, assuring him at the same time that 
 he would make his wife and children much more 
 comfortable in the United States than in the regiment. 
 Daly's objections were thus overcome, and lie at- 
 tended the subsequent meetings, especially the last 
 and most important one, held that very morning in 
 Knox's tavern, in the town of Niagara, and from 
 w^hich Fitzpatrick was returning when he met the 
 servant of Major Wultf. 
 
 On this disclosure, a meeting of the oibcers was 
 immediately, but privately, called; and it was agreed 
 that no public step should be taken until Colonel 
 Brock was made acquainted with the particulars. 
 
 I 
 
 11 
 
 I 
 
 • 'A 
 HI a 
 
 ^1 
 
SJR ISAAC UKOCK. 
 
 29 
 
 I 
 
 . 
 
 ''r 
 
 A report from Colonel Sheaffi; was at once (llspatch<^d 
 to Yo v by a govornincnt scliooner then in the Niu- 
 jL^iira river; and on the receipt thereof (.'olonel Eiroek 
 hurried otF in the sainu schooner, taking with him 
 his young and devoted sergeant-major. The vessel 
 arrived near the nioiit^ of the river a little before 
 noon, and at the colonel's request she was anchored 
 below the town, under the bank of the lake, where he 
 was landed alone, the sertreant-maior by his orders 
 remaining below deck out of view, until sent for. 
 He then walked over the ooniraon to the east gate of 
 the fort, the sentry at which, on seeing liim ap[)roach, 
 called ont the guard, the usual eoniplinient to a 
 commanding oflicer. The day was very hot, and it 
 beino- the soklicrs' dinner hour, not an oHicer or man 
 appeared out of doors. The colonel crossed the 
 square to the guard, which he found commanded by 
 Sergeant Clarke. Now, it was part of the pla)i that 
 the mutineers were to take to tlieir arms on some 
 night when Sergeant Clarke and Corjuiral O'lJrien 
 were on guard, and the colonel by (diuncc found 
 then* both on this guard. 
 
 On approachirig the guard, which had already 
 presented arms to him. Colonel Brock said: ''Ser- 
 geant, let your guard shoulder arn)s," and it was 
 done, when the colonel, who was a nujn of towering 
 frame and commanding aspect, continued : " Come 
 liore, sergeant — lay down your pike;" )>ronouneed 
 in a tone which produced Instant obedience. *' Take 
 oti' vour svpord and sash, and lay them down'" — this 
 Avas also done. "Corporal O'Brien, bring a pair of 
 liandcuffs, and put them on this sergeant, and lock 
 hivii up in one of the cells, and bring me the key." 
 This was soon done, " C^ome here, corporal, lay down 
 vour arras — take oft' vonr accoutrements, and lav 
 them down also."' it was done. "Come here, you 
 grenadier,^'" the right hand man of the guard, " bring 
 a pair of handcufts and put them on this corporal, 
 and lock him up in another cell, and bring me the 
 
i 
 
 no 
 
 MIK AM) < OKKK.SI'ONnENCE 01 
 
 Ivoy"— ujkI i{ was «oon done. '' Drmrimer, beat lo 
 arms" — and it was done. 
 
 I'p to tliis irioni(!nt no one in the trarrison, except 
 the sentry and the ^^uard, knew that the colonel was 
 in the fort. The first person seen issuing from the 
 officers' barracks, tlie nearest building to the guard- 
 liouse, was Lieutenant VVillinms, with his sword and 
 belt in his hand, to wlioin the colonel said: *' Wil- 
 liams, go ar/l instantly secure Kock, and if he hesi- 
 tate to obey, even for a moment, cut him down/' 
 Lieutenant Williams commanded ilie light company, 
 to which Jlock had recently been transferred, after 
 Ids reduction from i=;er<reant in a battalion company 
 at Montreal, a few weeks before. This officer ran 
 up stairs, and called to Rock to come down with 
 him, and Rock said : '* Ves, sir, when T take iiiv 
 arras,," '' No, you must come without them." •' I 
 must liave mv arms, sir"' — at the same time .stretchinsc 
 out his hand towards his musket, in the f»rm-rack. 
 " ]f you touch your musket, I will cut you down — 
 instantly go down before me !" and at the same.' time 
 he drew his sabre. Rock obeyed, and was with ten 
 other conspirators put in irons, and the whole, with 
 Fitzpatrick, ^^ ere immediately embarked for York, in 
 cliarge of a tjuard of the Roval Artillery — in number 
 twelve conspirators, witJi a corporal and seven de- 
 serter,';, lately overtaken in the States and broiiiiht 
 back — in all twenty. 
 
 Lieut.-General Hunter, then at Quebec, ordered 
 that the delinquents should be tried in that garrison ; 
 and thither they were sent in September, Lieut. - 
 Colonel Sheaffe being the prosecutor. In January 
 following-, the proceedings of the court martial were 
 tratismitted to the general at York, and he issued an 
 order for carrying the sentence into executioti, by 
 which four of the mutineers (Clarke, O'lJnen, Rock, 
 and b'itzpatrick,) and three deserters (one each of 
 the (>th, 41st, and 41)tli regiments) were condemned 
 to suffer death. They svere shot on the 2d of March, 
 
 I 
 
 m 
 It 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 isi 
 
4 
 
 
 SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 31 
 
 1804, at Queboo, In tlic prescnco of the entire gar- 
 rison, and a most solemn and ufFecting sight it was. 
 At a (|iiartor past ten, a. m., the procession moved off 
 from the prison in the following order : 
 
 Two Biisrlf Horns. 
 
 Major C!imi)l)fll. with a laif?e ijarty of ttie 4l.st a.s (ho advance guard. 
 
 Vrtilli ry, with a rifkl-Piert-. 
 
 The Firiiifr Pariv, tilty-six in nuinlKT. 
 
 SfviMt (o«hn'<, hdriio liy twfi iiu'ii oiu-h. 
 
 Escort with the iMisoners, atttMuird by four Hoinari C'atliolic Clergymeu, 
 
 and fhi! Rev. Mr. Moniitain, 
 
 Siirfji'iiris (if the (i trrison nuC R«'(;iinent3. 
 
 B;ind nf Music of Ui<.: 4 1st, vUiviiiK a DirKe. 
 
 Major- General Maiui, R.E,, and .staff (./rticcrs of tlio GarrisoD. 
 
 Field Piece. 
 
 Lieut.-Colonel Glasgow, with the maiu body of tlie Artillery. 
 
 Vii'Iil- Piece. 
 
 I.ieut. -Colonel Proctf)r, at tho head vf tMo 4lst Regiment, with the 
 
 Colours. 
 
 Major Muter, nf the ("th, with tlic two dank Companies of that Regimeut. 
 
 New Brunw'vick Volunteen^, about seventy in number, 
 
 wiTliont arms. 
 
 At about half-past ten they arrived on the ground, 
 when the sentence and warrant of execution were 
 read ; the prisoners about to suffer were then led to 
 their cofhiis. upon wliich tiiey respectively kneeled, 
 and were kept nearly three quarters of an hour in 
 ])rayer. During this time the wind was easterly, 
 strong, and cold, — a tliick drift of snow added to the 
 gloom, — and, as if to increase the horror of the scene, 
 a lew of the iiring party, instead of advancing to 
 within (.'ight yards of the prisoners, and firing in 
 three divisions as was intended, owin"- to some mis- 
 take, commenced firing at the distance of at least fifty 
 yards, on being ordered by the sergennts who com- 
 manded th(! tljvisions to make ready. The conse- 
 quence! was, that the unhappy wretches were only 
 pnrtially wounded, and dropped one after another. 
 Nearly forty shots were iired before one poor fello.v 
 in the centre fell, althou'rh he was wounded tlirough 
 the abdonun by the lirst discharge. The men, Avb-^ 
 liad reserved their fire, weie at length ordered u^, 
 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 
 
 n 
 
32 
 
 I,IFK AND (OKUr.SPONDKNrT-: OF 
 
 tliat, iiad llify ooniiniied inidcr tlu.' command of 
 Colonel Brock, they would have escaped their me- 
 liiMclioly end ; niid, as may be easily conceived, he 
 felt no little an<niish that thev, who had so recently 
 and po 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 com- 
 mand at Fort George, and all complaint and desertion 
 instnntly ceased. Of the other prisoners tried at 
 Quebec, one avus pardoned, we believe, at the interces- 
 sion of Colonel Brock ; and the remainder, including 
 a younger brother of Fitzj»atrick, were sent to the 
 West Indies for life. We willingly add, in justice 
 to Lieut. -Colonel Sheafl'e, that be profited by tliis 
 fa/nl experience, and laiterh' became a good regi- 
 mental commanding officer.* It must be also re- 
 membered, that at the period of the conspiracy, 
 severity appears to have been too much the rule, and 
 kindness the exception in the iron, we had almost 
 said brutal, discipline of the British army,t — a regi- 
 mental court martial, composed of only one caj)tain 
 and four subalterns, having then, and for many years 
 subsequentlv, the power of inf icling at least 999 
 Lashes ! (" have mercy, Jesu,") — and that numberless 
 
 * Am old pensioner, ^siio served many years in the tyth, and was at 
 Fort f'.oor^^c dnrins tin; cnnspiracy, tells ns that the men were displeased 
 at objections beiii^ ni.iile to their visiting the town at Niagara; at their 
 being- allowed to iisli onl^' in their white. tnj\vs(;rs ; and at other petty 
 sources of annoyanee-- moreover, that the four black holes were con- 
 stantly full. Hi: adds that Colonel Hrock, on assuminx the command, 
 allowed the nun, in prc.iper uniform, to visit the town fieely : to tish in 
 their fatig'iie dresses; ami even to use their n\uskets to shoot the wild 
 piti'eons, whieh Hew ovf r in eonntlesa numbers, on condition that they 
 provided their own powder and shot. 
 
 t Proof 1 . — It was then sometiinos the practite to steep the cat in brine 
 before, as well as during, the infliction of the punishment : this brutality 
 is now strietly prohibiied. 
 
 Proof 2. — A soldier was sentenced to receive l,.500 lashes for marauding'. 
 When broiij^'ht to the halbeits, he seized the drum-major's sword, and 
 called upon his conu'adi's to rescue him ■■ they, however, did not interfere. 
 He was forthwith Hogfrcil to the lull extent of his sentence; subsecpientJy 
 he was tried for the above act of mutiny, found guilty, and shot ' ! ' 
 
 Proof 3. — The infliction of a .sentence at two, tliree, or even four dif- 
 ferent periods, when the victim was incapable of liearing the whole 
 number of lashes at onee, although the practice was illegiU, There wau 
 also picketintC) and other modes ot torture. 
 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 33 
 
 officers too often forgot that even In the slavish 
 obedience and possive sutFerino: exacted from the 
 soldiery of that day, there niiijht he a limit, as there 
 occasionally was, to human end\irance. 
 
 In the fa!] of 1805, in October of vvhicli year he 
 was made a full colonel, Colonel Brock returned to 
 Europe on leave;* and early in the following year, 
 "conceiving," as* lie said, "that it is the duty of 
 every otHcer to suggest whatever may appear to liim 
 likely to pjove beneficial to the service," he laid be- 
 fore his royal highness the commander-in-chief the 
 outlines of a plan for the formation of a veteran 
 battalion, to serve in the Canadas. The mutiny at 
 Fort George, and its mournful consequences, were 
 still evidently uppermost in his mind Avhen he sug- 
 gested a remedy for the evils lie so clearly describes. 
 In support of the plan he wrote : 
 
 "The advantages which may attend the establish- 
 ment of a corps such as is here recommended, will 
 be perhaps more clearly understood by first adverting 
 to some of the causes thf^t produce the inconvenience 
 to which the troops occupying the frontier posts of 
 that country are continually exposed. 
 
 " A regiment quartered in Upper Canada is gene- 
 rally divided info eight different parts, several hun- 
 dred 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 tlie soldier from his duty, conspire to render 
 almost ineffectual every effort of the officers to main- 
 tain 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 
 
 * We rtgrrot that we cannot disiovcr a single letter from Lieut. Colonel 
 Brock daring his first sojourn in Canada. 
 
 i ! 
 
 C 
 
 .^ 
 

 34 
 
 I, UK AND CORKESPONDENrE OF 
 
 accomplisliod, pxaotinp: a irioro tlian ordinary pre- 
 caulion on llio part of the officers, insensibly produce 
 mistrust between them and tiio men, highly prejudi- 
 cial to the service. 
 
 " The soldier, in his intercourse with the inhabit- 
 ants, soon learns that many of them, who a few years 
 before possessed no kind of j)roperty, are become 
 opulent, by having obtained extensive grants of land. 
 lie will also find that these men, generally speaking, 
 liad no chiim to favor, being either utter strangers, or 
 known only as our enemies in the war of the rebellion. 
 
 " 1 urn aware that this indiscriminate disposal of 
 land lias now ceased, but unfortunately the great 
 i'lHux of bad subjects into the country must long be 
 productive of serious evils to the army. It being 
 impossible to deprive men of reflection, the zeal of 
 the old and faithful soldier suffers, as ho naturally 
 considers himself better entitled to protection than 
 these unworthy intruders. 
 
 "The voung and thoughtless give too much credit 
 to what the designing are continually repeating to 
 them — that they need only desert to secure an inde- 
 pendence. The American service too is represented 
 as enjoying many advantages over the British ; and 
 indeed to a superficial observer the following state- 
 ment of the pay and allowances of an American sol- 
 dier seems to justify the assertion. 
 
 [A table in detail follows of the monthly pay, annual cloth- 
 ing, and daily rations, by M'hich it appears that sergeants 
 received eight, corporals seven, musicians six, and privates 
 five dollars per month, and, when employed on fortifications 
 or roads, ten cents and one gill of spirits per day, in addition 
 to their pay and rations ; artiftcers of artillery excepted, 
 whose pay was ten dollars per month. The daily rations 
 were : 1|- lb. of beef, 4 lb. of pork,* 1 lb. 2 ol. of bread orflour, 
 1 gill of spirits; exclusive of 2 quarts of salt, 41b. of soap, 
 4 quarts of vinegar, and L^lb. of candles per himdred rations. 
 And it is added, that " the men are enlisted to serve for five 
 years."] 
 
 * To an irislinian brought np on potatoes and buttermilk, a daily allow- 
 ance of 2 lb. of meat must have appoarwl very tempting, 
 
 >f 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 35 
 
 " Kxporience has tau|rljt me tliat no regular re- 
 giment, however high its claims to discipline, can 
 occupy tljc frontier posts of Lower and Upper Cana- 
 da without sufierino; materially in its numbers. It 
 mici^ht have (jecn otherwise some years ago ; but now 
 that the country, par'.icularly the opposite shore, is 
 ciiiefiy inhabited by the vilest characters, who have 
 an ir* ,est in debaiichinfr the soldier from his duty; 
 since rowch are cpened into the interior ot the States, 
 which facilitate desertion, it is impossible to avoid 
 tlie contairion. A total chan<;e mu.. ''^ effected in 
 the minds and views of those who may nereafter be 
 sent on this duty, before the evil can be surmounted. 
 
 *' VV^ere a veteran battalion formed on the princi- 
 ples which 1 shall proceed to state, the disposable 
 force would be stationed at Quebec — in fact, the 
 only military post in the country : there it could be 
 easily maintained in a state Ht for service ; desertion 
 would jn a i^froat measure be stopped ; and Canada, 
 instead of beinfj^ the ruin of part of the army, would 
 become a most elio;ible quarter, 
 
 " What I -would presume humbly to recommend, 
 is the establishing of a corps composed of men de- 
 servinfj:, bv lona and faithful services, of the most 
 liberal protection and favor, whose interests would 
 be so inierwoven with the safety and prosperity 
 of the country, as to ensure a continuance of good 
 conduct. 
 
 *'The men, in the first instance, night be selected 
 from the veteran corps already esiablished, and after- 
 wards impartially from every regiment throughout 
 the army. No officer, who has been any time in the 
 command, but is sensible that every year men are 
 discharged Mhom he could with pronriety recom- 
 mend, and these will be more than suiiicient to keep 
 up the establishment. On each of these men two 
 hundred acres of good land might be settled. 
 
 '* Ten comjianies, each of sixty rank and file, with 
 the usual pro})'>rtion of officers, distributed in the 
 
 '■ i 
 
a(> 
 
 LIFE AXD COHHESPONDENCE OK 
 
 foIlo\viii|tj iiiamier, would, I apprehend, prove eqcial 
 to all the duly to which they might be liable. 
 
 stations. No. oi Compauies. 
 
 St. Joliti and Chambly 1 
 
 Kinq;stou 1 
 
 York. 2 
 
 Fort (leorj^c and dejiondcncie.s ii 
 
 Amhersthurg 2 
 
 St. Joseph 1 
 
 "A small force mic;ht bo nece'^sary at Montreal, 
 which the garrison of Quebec could furnish by a 
 detachment composed of men the least likely to 
 desert. 
 
 f Lient.-Colnnel Brock next gives a scale of the number of 
 years each soldier should serve in the veteran battalion, pro- 
 portionate to liis length v'i lormei service ; and among other 
 details lie ,sugt?ests that (he inoii, on their (hscharge, should 
 he located on a Iar<;e triiet of land on the river " Credit," 
 purchased hy Lieut. -General Hunter from the Mississague 
 Indian.s; recommending iilso that they should be furnished 
 with iuiplenients of husbandry, and rations for a short period, 
 the expense of which would in the end be inconsiderable, as 
 on receivine: the 200 acres Ihey would forego all claim to 
 Chelsea fiospital, or to any other pension. And he conclude» 
 as follows : ] 
 
 '' The monthly returns of the regiments, Avhich for 
 me last ten years have occupied the frontier posts of 
 the Cantidas, will shew in part the mischiefs against 
 which a remedy ought, in my opinion, to be provided. 
 Bnt recollecting the sensations produced on the mind 
 of the old soldier by the promise of land made two 
 years ago by officers recruiting for a Fencible corps, 
 1 would not recommend the raising of one in the 
 usual indiscriminate manner for this duty. 
 
 ** I have considered the subject only in a military 
 point of view: the advantages arising from the intro- 
 duction of a number of men into the country, attached 
 to government by ties of interest and gratitude, and 
 already acquainted with the use of arms, are too 
 obvious in a political light to need any comment. 
 
 '! 
 
sill ISiAA«; HHOt.'K. 
 
 .•37 
 
 •' It is hiirhly p:ratityiri<_; to ol)«iM've the coinfortable 
 stuto of the J.oyali-ts, vvho, in tlie year 17H4, obtaiii(3d 
 small tracts oflaiul in I'pper Canada : their conduct 
 and principles form a perlect contrast to those jjrac- 
 ti'^ed and proleysed generally by the settlcrai of 171)4 
 and {'7[)o. 
 
 *' It may be worthy of remark, that the land in 
 T' p(»er Canada cannot be estimated of any value to 
 government, since any stranjjer, on jrayinjr, f think, 
 six. pence fees for every acre, may at tliis moment 
 pro(!ure two hundred acres on condition of settlinaj." 
 
 In a letter from I, ieiit. -Colonel Gordon, dated 
 Horse (Iiiards, January 17, 1H(H), Colonel lirocL 
 received the Duke of York's "thanks for the commu- 
 nication of his very sensil.de observations respecting 
 the (lislrihution of the troops in Canada, which his 
 royal highness will no<; fail to take into consideration 
 at a seasonable opportunity." * 
 
 While on a visit to his familv and friends in 
 Guernsoy, Colonel Brock deemed the intelligence 
 from tlie United States to be of so warlike a charac- 
 ter, 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 vcs^^el, well manned and armed 
 as a letter of marque, bound to Quebec. lie left 
 London on the 'iOth of June, 1800, 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 comnujnder-in-chief 
 was much pleased by the zeal and devotion evinced 
 by him on this occasion. 
 
 » 
 
 * The 10th Royal Veteran nattalion arrived in Canada the year fol- 
 lowing : and the Canadian rifle regiment, consis^ting uf old sdldiers, was 
 formed a few years since, with the view of pre\entiug desertion across 
 the frontier. 
 
 i *( 
 
 !■ 
 
 1^ 
 
 if 
 
:jh 
 
 LIFE ANP C'C HRHSPONUENCI" OK 
 
 CllA(*rEH III. 
 
 r .^ 
 
 V'eky soon after h\» nliirn to Oinada, (^>lotKl Firook 
 suoi'C't'ctt'd, on llie '27l\i uf Sopteiuber, JHOU, to the 
 comiiiarid of the troops in the two provincos, with tiie 
 pay !UkI ;)lIownnc('.s of u brijriidifM*, r'oloiiel Iknves,* 
 of the ()th Foot, liaviij;^ rc: i;4Mod that command on 
 Jiis departure for Enj^land. i\t thiii I'nno, llie civil 
 government of tho lower province was administered 
 by- Mr. President Dunn ; and Colonel Jirock resided 
 at Quebec, in command of tiie forces, until the ar- 
 rival, in October, I'^O?, of tlie j^'overnor-oenerai, Sir 
 flames Crai^', ulio appointed him to act as a brij^a- 
 dier, vvhicb appiintment was oontirnicd by tlie king, 
 to date from the '2d of .luly, 18(H 
 
 Colonel JJrick to Lieut. -Colonol J, W. Gordon. 
 
 (^i;kuec, September 28, 1806. 
 
 T have tlie honor to acquaint you, for tJje informa- 
 tion of the commander-in-chief, that Colonel IJowes, 
 preparatory to liis departure for England, has re- 
 .sjtjned the command of his majesty's forces in this 
 country, which, as the next senior officer, devolves 
 on me. 
 
 I have great pleasure in reporting to liis royal 
 highness the good order and -Mscipliue whicli, much 
 
 * Adcrwrtrd-i Major fTOiifial Hariinid Knoni Bowes, slnin on the 27t1i of 
 June, IH12, wiiilf IcailiriK thr troujis to the assault, of rhe forts of Sala 
 rrinucd Mormnieiits in St PnuJ's, to the' nieniory nf Major- Gi'neral 
 Howt's snrt nf Sir Isuac Brock, wen; \o\td in Hit Houst' of Commons on 
 the same (lay, 20th )i July. Hia, 
 
NIK ISA^^C BKOrK. 
 
 m 
 
 to tlie «^i'0(lit of I.' iif,..C'(^Ioncl Slinaftc, I Ibund on 
 in\ arrival to prevail aiiioriir the eij;lit eomi)ai(ie!r« of 
 tin- 41Mli re^aincnit, (|nartero(l in fliis garrison. 
 
 It has lu'cn the ia.c of tlic Whh to he divided for 
 tla^ last four years and a lialf, Koveral hundred mile.'^ 
 apart,; and however anxious I nnnt he to a!!sead)le 
 the \vliol(! toj^ether, I have not, considering; the youth 
 of the UKlth rei,nnieiit, which alone aHorda me the 
 moans of elfeotinijf that measure, thoii};ht it prudent 
 to withdraw the eoni])any slationcd at St. John's and 
 the otiier frontier post-! of this province ; but the one 
 at Mi>ntreal Avill be relieved this autumn." 
 
 Culonel JJowes haviu"^ eoinplicd with T.ieiit. -Colo- 
 nel Otway'st earnest application Jbr leave to return 
 to Knt^iand, 1 have appointed Captain Ormshy, of 
 the 41)th re<riuient, an ofH<'er of approved merit, to 
 act as deputy adjutant-f^'eneral durini; his absence; 
 an arrangement which, I presume to liope, his royu! 
 highness will be graciously pleased to sanction. 
 
 A iew days after succeeding to the command of 
 tlni troops, (Jolonel Brock issued very stringent regu- 
 lations for the guidance of the deputy commissary- 
 general, whose accounts appear, from the letters 
 before us, to have been in Ljreal, if not In irretj-iev- 
 able, confusion, and against m hori) there existed a 
 balance of £'3(.v3.VJ sterling, for vvjiich no warrants, 
 to sanction the application, could bo found In the 
 proper ofljco. The commissary, when called upon to 
 
 * I'lio otliri inilitHry i)osts ii. Canada, witlj tlio iinmcs of their com. 
 maiMlimts, mipoar, by a circular (tatml iStli of OeccmlnT, iHtld, to have 
 been ;is follows Montrt^al, Major llamiltor). KHiili reijiiiu'nt , Kiiip-Ktori, 
 brevet Major Mackenzie, Ust rc'tfiment; VorU, Captain Derenzy, list 
 regiment; Fort iji'ori;'^, l.ii-ut. Coloni.'l Prootor, Ust reifimt'tit Aailiorst- 
 biirp, lirovet Ljeiit.-Colonil GrHiit, ilst reginuiut ; and St. Joseph, Major 
 Campbell, 4 1st rogiment. 
 
 + The present l.icut.-General Sir Loftus W Otway, C. B., colonel of tlio 
 rtith rejirinient. Lit! nt. Colonel Otwav being nnalite to obtain a desirablf 
 pas«ai^e for England at tlueljcc. Colonel Brock advised his proieertini^ in 
 the Lady Saiimare? (the vessel which InonKiit him onti to St. John's, 
 Newfonndlund, whteli lie did, and there embarked in a vessel of vkar. 
 How changed is Quebec now vvitti her innnmerable fall ships. 
 
40 
 
 lAir. A\I) CORRKSPONDENCE OP 
 
 account for this large balance, objected, evidently 
 witb a view to procrastination, to the rank of Colonel 
 Brock, and ^\^ote to bini, " tbat be conceived it was 
 not e\|)edi(.'nt, or (JomjX'tent to any autbority tben in 
 Canada, to '^ive instructions, by wbicb bis duties 
 and responsibility, MTider tbo instructions of tbe lords 
 comuiissionors of bis uiaiesty's treasury, could be in 
 any maiiuer altered or atlected." In reply, Colonel 
 Brock repeated bis positive injunctions for tbe ob- 
 servance of ibese regjulations, and closed bis commu- 
 nication to tbe commissary as follows : ** In respect 
 to tbe last j)ara'^rapb of your letter, relating to tbe 
 two cbaracteis* \^■bom you consider as more compe- 
 tent tban me to ^ive you autboritics, it will be time 
 enougb to iuvestioato tb(; question, wben either of 
 tbem sball express a wisb to assume tbe command ; 
 but in tbe me;Hiwbile I sball exercise it witb prompti- 
 tude and decision/' Tbat there were ample grounds 
 for Colonel Brock's interterence, will be seen in the 
 following* paratirapb oi' bis letter to tbe lords com- 
 missioners of bis majesty's treasury, dated Quebec, 
 November 2S, IHOd: ** 1 can no lonfjer dissemble 
 from their lordships the difficulties which I much 
 far will follow any attempt of mine to enforce the 
 periodical settlement of tbo deputy comTnissarv-<2:ene- 
 
 1- T P I i1 • • " 1 
 
 ral s accounts, as 1 nnd that no examination has 
 occurred in his store account since the 24th of .De- 
 cember, 178(S. The account of fuel is likewise in 
 arrcar since the •24th of December, 17tXJ, and the 
 account of provisions since tbe 24th of June, 1800.1 
 
 Colonel Brock to the Right Hon. W. Windham, 
 
 QuEUEc, 28tb October, 1806. 
 
 Having long witnessed the many inconveniences 
 which the troops in garrison at Quebec suffer for 
 
 * The president of Lower, and Die lieutenant-governor of l^pper, 
 Canada. 
 
 ' The officer m (luosiion was subsequently relieved, when he was found 
 U) be in a stale uf iusolveney. 
 
t 
 
 SIR ISAAC nno( K. 
 
 41 
 
 it 
 
 want (.r regular liospitnls, I tlilrik it my duty to 
 submit the following representation on the suhjeet 
 to your nonsideration. 
 
 The hiring of houses to serve us hospitals is at all 
 tupes precarious ; indeed, none can be procured but 
 of a miserable description, i^ituate^? in the midst of 
 the town, and often so much out of repair, that a 
 considerable expense is unavoidably incurred before 
 they can he occupied. 
 
 The inten^e heat of the summer and the severity of 
 the cold in winter, make thick, walls of masonry 
 particularly desirable in this country ; but the sick 
 are now lodjjed in small wooden buildings, and are 
 subject to every change of tem))erature. 
 
 ilerevviih I have the honor of transmitting a plan 
 for the construction of a building calculated to re- 
 move these disadvantages. Captain Bruyeres, com- 
 manding royal engineer, proposes to erect it on a 
 site reserved for a barrack by Major-General Mann, 
 in his project for the completion of the citadel, and 
 so disposed as to answer the original intention e(|ually 
 well, should any other arrangement in regard to the 
 hospital be hereafter found necessary. 
 
 Tlie accompanying estimate* is made with every 
 regard to economy. 
 
 In November of this jear, (1800,) owing evidently 
 to the want of a proper naval authority, C'olonel 
 Brock directed that Jaeut.-Colonel Pye, the deputy 
 quartermaster-general, shoidd have the entire super- 
 intendence of the marine department, including the 
 bateaux for the lakes and rivers of the Canadas, 
 the building and outfit of the vessels, their repairs 
 and navigating, and the issue and expenditure of the 
 necessary stores, -with the exception only of the 
 bateaux at La Chine. Colonel Brock further direct- 
 ed that an assistant quartermaster-general should be 
 
 * Jt°3,l83 Sterling for materials and workmanship. 
 
42 
 
 LIFE AND rOHRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 stutioncd, one at Amiierstbiirg and anotlier at King- 
 ston ; the former to superintend the marine scrvico 
 on Lake Erie and its dependencies, and the hitter on 
 Lake Ontario and its dependencies; to wliom the log 
 books, journals, and all communications were to be 
 transmitted. By the same order, the following num- 
 ber of boats was to be kejit in constant repair at the 
 several posts for military services, independent of 
 those required for tlie commissariat, viz. Quebec, 0; 
 Three Kiver^;, 2; WiHiani Henry, 1 ; Montreal,* 7; 
 St. Jolin's," 2 ; Kingston,* 4 ; Fort George,* 1*2 ; 
 York, 3 ; and Andiersthurg, 4 ; total, 41. Although 
 it may appear strange that a military oHieer should 
 be nominated to the command in chief of the Cana- 
 dian navy, which was then in a very incipient state, 
 yet it would seem that this act of Colonel IJrock, 
 touetlier with the wholesome regulations which he 
 issued at the same time for the guidance of the deputy 
 quartermaster-general, was the principal cause of the 
 Britisli supremacy on the lakes when the war broke 
 out in the year 1812. 
 
 Colonel Brock to the liifj/it Hon. the Secretary at War. 
 
 QuEUEC, December 25, 180(5. 
 
 1 have the honor to report that Mr. Thomas 
 Taunce, to\vn major of Quehec, died yesterday at 
 a very advanced age ; and I beg leave respectfully to 
 submit for your in<lulgent consideration the enclosed 
 menioriid wljich 1 have received from Mr. Koss-Lewin. 
 
 This jjjentlenian served wilh distinuuishod merit in 
 the 5th regiment, for upwards of seventeen years, 
 during which he attained the rank of captain ; but 
 in consequence of a moist unfortunate accidciif, which 
 de|)rived him of his left hand, he was compelled to 
 retire from active service. 
 
 So sensible was t)ie late Lieut. -General Hunter of 
 his merit, that he strongly recommended him, three 
 
 * And dependencies. 
 
 
SlU ISAAC ItKOCK. 
 
 43 
 
 years ago, for a situation in the barrr.ok department, 
 but tlio then secretary at war in the meantime clis- 
 poscMl of the appointment. 
 
 Whilst earnestly soliciting; your kind protection in 
 the present instance, I discliarp;e a pleasini^ task to 
 myself, and fulfil also the intention of the late lieute- 
 nant-general, who ahvays expressed every inchnation 
 to promote the interests of ]Mr. iloss-Lcwin. 
 
 I have taken the liberty of appointing him to do 
 the duty of town major to this garrison, until his 
 majesty's pleasure can be notified.* 
 
 Colonel Brock to Colonel Glastjoic, Royal Artillery, 
 Prvsident of Board of Accounts. 
 
 Quebec, Sth January, 1807. 
 
 The principles that determined the Board of Ac- 
 counts to postpone the consideration of several arti- 
 cles of charge, brouglit forward by the deputy com- 
 missary-general of stores and provisions, meet with 
 my entire approbation ; and I have to request the 
 Jioard to continue diligently to ascertain the suffi- 
 ciency of {'.sery authority for the expenditure of the 
 public money, before it sanctions the smallest charge, 
 
 f^omc unforeseen and necessary service may justify 
 heads of de))nrtments to incur expense without wait- 
 ing for the ])revioiis approbation of the officer com- 
 mandiu'' ; but all such cases ought to be immediately 
 reported, and a subs(Mjuent approval obtained, before 
 the charge be admitted by the Board. 
 
 Although this regular course was not followed by 
 the deputy contmissary-general in several instances 
 stated in his accounts, yet, considering that some 
 came under the above dcscrijjfion, 1 have authorized 
 the militiU'v secretarv to uive them mv sanction. 
 
 Jiut when expense is incurred without the most 
 urgent cause, and more j)articulariy when large sums 
 
 * Mr. Ucihf. I.cwiii olititiiiitl ttii- appoUitmcnt, which lie held many 
 years, with the raiik of itisi{;u. 
 
44 
 
 Ml-E ANT) COUnnSPONnENCE OF 
 
 are stated to Iiave been expended in anticipation of 
 services not yet authorized, my duty strictly compels 
 me to vvitlihold my approval to all such irregular 
 proceedings. ^ 
 
 Colonel Brock to Mr. President Dunn, 
 
 Quebec, 5th January, 1807. 
 
 I beg leave to represent to your honor the serious 
 inconvenience under which tlie j)ublic service labours, 
 in consequence of the inn 'merable encroachments 
 that have long been, and still continue to be, made 
 upon the reserves of the crown ; and respectfully to 
 submit for your consideration the necessity of im/ne- 
 diately adopting sucli measures as will eifectually 
 remove this alarming evil. 
 
 Those encroachments have been carried on to such 
 a dangerous extent, that the defence of Quebec would, 
 in the event of an attack, be materially and seriously 
 impeded by them. 
 
 A great portion of the ground in question will, in 
 ,il probability, be shortly required for the erection 
 of new and extensive works, and no time ought, 
 tliereforo, to be lost in ascertaining the actual bound- 
 ary of the king's property. 
 
 I cannot refrain noticing also the unpleasant situ- 
 ation in which the officer commanding is often placed, 
 by having to defend civil prosecutions fur opposing 
 attempts at encroachment, which, if tolerated, might 
 at sonie future day endanger the very safety of the 
 place. 
 
 These evils will continue until (he king's preroga- 
 tive over the land in the vicinity of fortified towns, 
 together with his real property, be defined beyond 
 the po:?sibility of futu'*e disputes. 
 
 I shall only advert in this representation to those 
 enclosures and buildi!i<xs on the Glacis, and even on 
 the covert way of the place, in front of St. John's 
 gate. This ground is indisputably the property of 
 
 ! r I 
 
HlK ISAAC UlKiCK. 
 
 4.> 
 
 
 the crown, and as it is es!5<;(itial that these ohstruc- 
 tioris should be imrnediarcly removed, 1 have to 
 re(jucsf that the nooet-sary iiistnictions may be jjiven 
 to the civil officer*, to enter into the usual legal 
 process to effect this object. 
 
 The conimandinjr entrineer will be directed to fur- 
 nish the necessury | thins and descriptions of the en- 
 croachments essentially required for military pur- 
 poses, and 1 shall be r(!ady at all times to afford 
 every other assistance and information within my 
 reach to bring the business to a happy conclusion. 
 
 Colonel Brock to Lieu f.- Governor Gore, at York. 
 
 Ql'edec, 27th January, 1807. 
 
 1 have ll)e honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
 your excellency's dispatch (duplicate) of the 20th 
 November last, the original of which has not yet 
 come to liand. 
 
 I pon the subject of that dispatch, I beg leave to 
 state, that finding Colonel l^owes had, during bin 
 temporary cominand here, given directloi ■* upon 
 matters relatiufj to the mann^emtnt of the Indian 
 concerns in the province of Upper Canada, I felt it 
 necessary to apprize your excellenoy that I meant to 
 disconiinue sui"'!! interference, and strictly to follow 
 his majesty's additional instructions of the l'>th of 
 December, 1700, whicli place the sole control of 
 Indian affairs in thai province in your hands, as lieu- 
 teiutnt-governor thereof. 
 
 It conserpieutly became unavoidable that all ac- 
 counts which, ttnderthe Uukeof Portland's letter to 
 Lieut. -Oetieral Prescott, of the Kith of December, 
 1796, verc to continue to be defrayed out of the 
 army oxtraordinaries as usual, should previously 
 receive your excellency's sanction and approval. I 
 liavc, therel'ore, the' honor to inform you, that any 
 monc\ will bo advanced from the militarv chest for 
 this service on the bare signature of your excellency. 
 
 1^ ; 
 
4r> 
 
 LIFE AM) <;0UKESI»0N1)E\CE OF 
 
 Colonel Jirock to thf Right Hon. W- Wmdlinm. 
 
 QrEBFX, FchniJiry 12, 1S()7. 
 
 I have tlie honor to transmit for your consideration 
 a jiro|)Osal of Lieut. -Colonel John iNl' Donald, late of 
 ihe Rovnl ('anadian Volunteers, for rai^iajj; a corps 
 amon^ the Scotch settlers in the county of CJlengary, 
 Upper ('anada. 
 
 When it is considered that both the Canadas fur- 
 nUh only two hundred militia who are trained to 
 arniP, the advantages to ho do'ived from such an 
 f.stahli!:^liment must appear ver\ evident. 
 
 The military force in this country is verv small, 
 and were it postjihle to collect it in time to oppose 
 any serious attempt upon Quebec, the only tenable 
 
 post, 
 
 the number would of itself be insurticicnt to 
 
 ensure a viij^orous defen(;e. 
 
 This corps, beinn' stationed on the confines of the 
 Lower Province, would be always immediately and 
 essentially useful in checking' any seditious dispo- 
 sition, which the wavering' sentiments of a largo 
 population in ihe Moutrt\il district might at any time 
 manifest. In the event of invasion, or other emer- 
 gency, this force could be easily and expeditiously 
 transported by Avater to Quebec. 
 
 The extent of country wliich these settlers occupy 
 would make the jiernianf nt establishment of the staff 
 and one ser'.','Lant in each con»}>aiiy very advisable. 
 I shall not presume to say how far the claims of the 
 field officers to the same indulgence are reasonable 
 and exj)edicnt. 
 
 In regard to the Jfev. Alexander M'Done)!,* J beg 
 leave to observe, that the men l>eing all Catholics, it 
 may be deemed a prudent measure to appoint him 
 chaplain. His zeal and attacliment to government 
 
 * After ward;- R. C. Bistiop, uf Rosriopolis. i?) l jiju'V {.'aimda lU tlieii in 
 England at hu julvam-fd ams in 1H:<o or IFIO, ami was tlirnui^li life. disMii- 
 guii-lit;d l)y an urdeiit loyalty, and l>y his /.t'aious and valuablt' efforts to 
 HMimat*. Iiis countruut'n, the Frisli, to a irallant iliscliarij-c of »^l«'ir duty ir> 
 defent-e of tlm ijo\^n 
 
SIR ISAAC nnocK. 
 
 47 
 
 were strongly evinced wlillst filllnjr the oHice of elirij)- 
 lain to the Glenj^iiry Fonciblcs, diirintr the rebellion 
 In Irolnnd, and Mere jrrnciously acknowledged by his 
 royal hi|j:lnies-s the couiinandei-in-chier. 
 
 flis influence over the men is deservedly great, 
 and 1 have every reason to believe that the corps, by 
 his exertions, would be soon completed, and hereafter 
 become a tnirsery, from Mhicli the army might draw 
 a nuud)er of hardv recruits. 
 
 The folioM-ing- letter affords a good idea of the 
 cor^dential report of ii geneial officer on the slate 
 c. egiment after its ;. ■ heal inspection. 
 
 Colonel Brock to the Adjutant- General of His 
 Majesty's Forces. 
 
 QuEnfir, ^Marcli 17, 1807. 
 
 In obcdienco to the commander-in-chief's com- 
 mands, conimunicaled to mo in your letter dated 
 l20th of November last. I. shall proceed to state, for 
 his royal higlmoss's information, such observations as 
 a strict attention to the conduct and interior economy 
 of the ]00th^ regiment during the preceding six 
 months lias 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 unrendtting care and atten- 
 tion to the several important duties of his office. 
 
 Tlie ffood etlects of his exertions and intelligence 
 are strikingly visible in every department of the 
 cori)s. He has been ably supported by Major Hamil- 
 ton and the rest of his officers who on all occasions 
 
 * On thi! passage ot the 100th to Quebec, .n ISOS, one of the transports 
 was w^erked in uvioU'nt gn.i' on the 21st of O(;tnl)er,on tho coast of New- 
 foundland ; and Major Hertrani, throe captains, six lieutenants, tlio 
 assistaMt-siiri;eon, and about 2G1) men of the regiment, miserably perisljed. 
 On the same day the battk' (if Trafalgar wa.-. foug)»t, and it was probably 
 the same gale which caused the loss of so many of the prizes. 
 
 ,\^—^*'if:^r, f-'^'*'\M- 
 
ly 
 
 4S 
 
 LIFE AND CORIIKSPONDI-NCE OF 
 
 evince the utmosf zeal for flie service, and the highest 
 rcsppot and attachnienl towards his person. He has 
 succeeded in cstahlishinj^ an interior discipline and 
 economy, which I have never before witnessed in bo 
 vuuno[ a corps, and sicarceiy seen surpassed by any, 
 and in a way too the most satisfactory to the feelings 
 of an oHicer. 
 
 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 pre- 
 scribed forms and regulations, yet the winter has 
 nearly pastsed without a single instance of neglect or 
 misconduct having occurred among the ICXHh regi- 
 ment ; and it is a ])leasing task to report, that so 
 exemplarily have the men behaved, that, even regi- 
 mentally, only one corporal punishment has been 
 intHoted for the last three months. 
 
 J. am now speaking of men who, being nearly all 
 Irish, are of all others the most volatile and easily 
 led astray. Should thev, therefore, hereafter be 
 seduced by the various temptations by which they 
 are surrounded, J hope to escape tliO imputation of 
 judging too hastily and partially. The men were 
 principally raised in the north of Ireland, and are 
 nearly all Protestants ; they aro robust, active, and 
 good looking. 
 
 The troops in this country are precluded, by the 
 severilv of the climate durinij seven months in the 
 year, from exercising out of doors : it cannot, there- 
 fore, be expected that the lOOth regiment can, con- 
 sidering tlie little practice it has had in the field, and 
 afier such a long interval, be very expert in its 
 maiKeuvres; but as Lieut. -Colonel Murray possesses 
 both capacity and inclination, and as a good founda- 
 tion is already laid, the most rapid progress may be 
 expected so soon as the season enables him to com- 
 mence liis labours. 
 
 A large room has been allotted in the barracks to 
 the purposes of drilling witli arm=4, from which the 
 garrison has derived essential benefit. 
 
1/ 
 
 SIK ISAAC BROCK, 
 
 40 
 
 Tlie clotljiiij^ for (lie present year is all fitted, and 
 appears very good. Every muii is provided witli a 
 preat coat, aj^rceably to liis majesty's re^ulaiions ; 
 but as the great coat is necessarily worn on all oc- 
 casions for six months in the year, it cannot by the 
 strictest economy be made to last the specified time. 
 Those of tlie KHUh 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 alternutive but su[ '^ving others at the charge 
 of the men, which opinion I liave given to Lieut.- 
 Colonel INIurray, who applied to me on the subject. 
 
 The messes have been all along abundantly pro 
 vidod. Indeed, the soldiers in this /country live in a 
 perfect state of luxury unknown any where else. 
 
 The non-commisssioned officers an^ privates ac- 
 knowledge to have received every thing which is 
 their due in resj)ect to pay and clothing. One rnan 
 claims part of his bounty, which, he says, has been 
 withheld. /\. regimental court martial has already 
 decided against him, but the business shall again be 
 investigated by a garrison court martial. 
 
 Lieut.-ColoncI Murray has reported to me that 
 there are several men in his re-'Iment who claim 
 bounty, but as only one complained at the inspection, 
 the remainder nmst be satisHcd that ho is doing his 
 utmost to recover what is actually tiieir 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 inconve- 
 nienced for want of permanent hospitals. There were 
 three cases of fever ; the remainder of the ])ationts 
 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 con- 
 formity to his majesty's regulations.* 
 
 * By the general returns of the lOOth roffiment, drawn up with surprising 
 miuuteness), and dated Quebec, l6th March, I807, we find that ouly one 
 
 ill 
 
w 
 
 Ml'K ANH COHHKSPONDENC K ()/' 
 
 Colontil lirock to the A ({futant- General of J I in 
 Majesty's Force*. 
 
 QrEDEC, I81I1 Afarcli, 1^07. 
 
 The situation which I have the honor to liohl in 
 the 49tli roj^imfiit will not allow inc to enlrtr<i. fur- 
 ther upon its nifrits in this coufiilcntial report, tiiati 
 ino-t respectfully to assure his royal liiHhiiCH.^^ the 
 cornrnuuder-iu-chief, that no exertion has Ixen want- 
 ing «>n my [lart to hrin;j; it to such a state, both in 
 rciird to its inferior economv and nianruuvres in the 
 field, ay I feel contidont will couiniand applause after 
 the most rigid iusjioction. 
 
 Lieut.-Cclonel Sheaflij hus always afforded me 
 every possible assistance. 1 have equally esi^ry rcu- 
 son to he <atisfi''d with the conduct of the other 
 oliicers, mIio are well instructed in their several du- 
 ties, and vvho, 1 am happy to say, live together in 
 ]>erfect harmony. 
 
 The ser^feants are well jj^roundcd in their duty, 
 which tiiev dischar<:e much to my satisfaction. 
 
 The privates are, with very few ex(?eptions, stout 
 
 and well madt^j and capable of eudurintr nrj-oat fatigue. 
 
 ( The reuiainder of tliis letter refers to the elothing, messes, 
 hospiliil, regiujoiitul books, \c.] 
 
 In tlie spring of the year 1807 a long and unplea- 
 sant correspondence passed between Mr. President 
 -Dunn and Colonel Brock, relative to a waste piece 
 of ground adjoining the barracks at Quebec, and 
 belonging to the crown, which ground the military 
 imperatively required for a jiarade, as they could 
 only exercise in the gorge of one of the bastions of 
 the citadel, a small space totally inadequate to the 
 
 olttcur fliieut Colonel Murray) was an Englishman ; one ^tlie assistart- 
 sur(ft.'on; whs a Scoichrnan ; 2fi were Iri^li ; h net known, iteing absenf 
 un iea< i', or not haviri>^' joined . and two vacant ; total MH officers -Of the 
 lion ciminiis.siDned uffioers and piivates, 9 were Kngli'sJi, I Scotch, and 
 4')8 Irish, total 46*^, 01 whoni only 5 sergeants and j private were six feet 
 aud upwards in lieiiflii.. 
 
I 
 
 1 
 
 H\n ISAAC jmoc K. 
 
 01 
 
 iiiuvt'inr/il, ot'iMoro tliuii XJJX) iii'ii. Tlicro wab iiidood 
 an t'Xtt'tisivt. tifld, noiirly tvvt> ii)Ilt;s di>*liiiil, wliicli 
 occasionally served us a |»i(iadr, but i' ^vas oltt-n 
 iiiacct'ssihio to flic troopn, in coiifCMiticMic of the bad- 
 iH'.i'.i ol' ilic roadsi in tlic spring' and auiunm, and of 
 llie ext'ossni" hoafs in siinuiier. Tlie .K;siiits' har- 
 rackn, as tlicy an; now called, and fli»' j^round in 
 question, continue to be used by tlie uiditary, — the 
 property, known as the Jesuits' estatesi, having been 
 seized upon by tlie crown, on the death ot" I'^Uluir 
 Cazot, the last ot" his order in Canada, in 18(M), 
 because tlie Hociety was suppressed by ro))e Clement 
 XIV, in 177J}. It will be seen by the report of Lord 
 Gosford's mission to Canada, printed by the order 
 of" the Hous< of C'otnrnon^, that it was one of the 
 leading heads oi' charge advanced by the French 
 Canadians sijjjainst the government, that thi-) pro- 
 perty had been ajipropriated to the use of the troops. 
 The next two letters relate to this subject. 
 
 (^i EHEc, 7lh May, 1807. 
 
 Colonel lirock iius been honored with Mr, J^resi- 
 dent Dunn's letter of yesterday, and observes A\ith 
 regret and surprise tliat his honor still jiersists in 
 iis>erting that the ground, the <niuse of tlic present 
 iinjileasant discussion, was occupied by the riiilitury 
 without his previous knowledge and consent. 
 
 That his honor should forgot having given his 
 assent to the Tiieasure is nothing extraordinary, but, 
 that he should jiersist in positively refusing his belief 
 to the testimony ot two othcers, whose characters it 
 is presumed are above suspicion, is what would not 
 be expected from his known candour and liberality. 
 
 Whatever may be the views of those who advise 
 u perseA'cranee in so ungracious a proceeding. Colonel 
 Brock is impressed with too high u sense of respect 
 for the age, an I still more for the private character, 
 of the president, to express himself in any other way 
 than to lament tli<' necessity of the ]>resen! commu- 
 nication, 
 
 t ■ 
 ] 
 
 in 
 
012 
 
 LIFE AND CORRKSPONDENCE OP 
 
 m 
 
 Lieut. -Colonel Vyv vill have the lienor of present- 
 irig this note, and he uill take that opportunity of 
 respectfully rcnjindinfr his honor that he heard the 
 j)roniiriC in question nncquivocully tfivon. 
 
 Culonel Brock to tho Jiujht Hon W. Wiudhnm. 
 
 QuKDEc, Sth ^lay, 1807. 
 
 Mr. President Dunn havin<r intimated his inlon- 
 tion of coniniunieatiniij to you the correspondence 
 which has lattdy jiassed hetwei^i us, respecting some 
 waste ground adjoinin<; tlie barraolcM, I feel the neces- 
 sity of troubling you with an explanation of my 
 coruhict. 
 
 Having long expcrienoed the utmost inconvenience 
 in this garrison for want of a sutlicient space to pa- 
 rade and exercise the troops, 1 applied verbally to 
 his honor some time since, to know whether he had 
 anv objection (o mv niakinjj use of the ground, 
 formerly tliu garden of the Jesuits, whose college the 
 military occupy nt this monjent. He expressed him- 
 self sensible of the benefit which would result to the 
 troo|)s, and lumented he could not otJicially allow it 
 to be converted to the o)>ject proposed, l)ut that he 
 woidd shut his eyes, and in no way interfere with 
 me, j»rovided nu injury were done to the premises. 
 
 In consequence of this promise, which I all along 
 considered as a temporary accommodation, liable 
 cycry instant to be recalled, 1 began, as early as 
 possible in the spring, clearing the ground of the 
 noxious weeds with which it was overgrown ; and in 
 a few days, after a sad interval of nearly seven 
 months, paraded the troops there for the first time. 
 No notice was taken of this for several days, when 
 I received u letter from the president, signifying his 
 disapprobation of my conduct, and his intention of 
 making an ofiicial communication to you upon the 
 subject. 
 
 Feeling that nothing had been done but what had 
 
SIR Ii^AAC IIIIUCK. 
 
 08 
 
 oV)tainc(l liis prpvioiis c'onjsrfit, I could not avoid, in 
 answer, (fxprcssinij njy Kurfirisc at so uriixpecUnl a 
 cornmniiicatiou ; iiiul suspecting tliat he Imd been 
 unwarily intluonccd hy tlio voice of disafFootion and 
 private intorci^t, 1 rcnuostod liim not to niiiid a 
 claniour tlius raised. I was tlin more convinced lliat 
 sucli was the case, when I tbiind the president mak- 
 ing use for tlie first time of lau'^Miago far from 
 conciliatory, and that iho disposition I have all alon;^ 
 manifested to njoet his wishes hy no means warranled. 
 
 Perceiving by his reply that he was still desirous 
 that tlio troops should not return to the ground, I 
 immediately receded, and issued orders accordingly ; 
 but I must confess that tins step, from the great 
 sacriiice, was reluctantly taken, and adopted more 
 out of personal resp ct to Mr. Du.ui than from any 
 apprehension of incurring cen lire for merely con- 
 verting a useless waste, t!*e property of the king, to 
 purposes tending esscrtially t'» promot*> his ervicc. 
 
 The president, in his leifers, te: ■ciously denies 
 having ^iven his tacit assent to thf Measure; but as 
 Lieut. -Colonel I*ye, the deputy quariermaste general, 
 was present when it was |,;ivco, and that cOo in a 
 most unef|uivocal manner, he appeared, when per- 
 sonally adilressed bv that officer, to he sensible iu; 
 had dene me wrong in so suddenly adopting a lino 
 of conduct at once ungracious, and so contrary to 
 Ids former practice and disposition. 
 
 A vast number of people expect to benefit by a 
 division of the ground in question, and evince the 
 ntmost impatience upon every step which is taken 
 likely to involve their interests, however greatly it 
 may advance the public service. They nre become 
 more sanguine '., their expectations now that the 
 civil governmeuu .;* administered by a gentleman, 
 uuqiiestionably of the first respectability and nicest 
 honor, but whr, from his great age and long intimacy 
 with the inl'^djitants, is more likely to be swayed by 
 any repioscntation their avarice may prompt them 
 to make. 
 
 ii i 
 
 
rA 
 
 l.tJf-' AND COKUEHPONnRNCE Of 
 
 J)i regard lo flio lujtnccHato quostion of tlio proiinri 
 adjoiriin;^ llie barracks, I bcf( leave nispcctfully to 
 rc'lbr vou to tlic; laU; Lioiit. -General Hunter's dis- 
 patch,' atltlrcs.'^ed to Lord Ilobart, No. (Jl, dated the 
 lOtli August, 1804. IletherGsofiillydetnonstrut.es 
 the jj;reat benefit the military woidd derive by being 
 put i'l post<ession of the ground, that 1 sliall only 
 pjosume to add to it a plan of the ])rcrnises, by which 
 will bt' clearly seen the confined space at present 
 allotted for the accommodation of 1,/)0() men, the 
 number the barracks are calculated to contain, and 
 Nvhich at this moment are occupied by nearly 1,0(K). 
 
 r have thus thoui^ht it my duty to state fully the 
 motives by which I liave been actuated in my late 
 intercourse with Mr. President Dunn, and at the 
 same time to shew respectfully the essential injury 
 that must accn/e to the military, should the premises 
 adjoining the barracks be disposed of in the manner 
 desired, if my information be correct, by the civil 
 
 government. 
 
 Colonel Brock to Mr. Proddetit Dunn. 
 
 Qi:ebec, 4th Juno, 1807. 
 
 I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
 your letter of this day's date, and beg leave respect- 
 full v to remind vou of the correspondence which has 
 already taken place between us in regard to the 
 puyiiient of the Indian department, as I have reason, 
 from tlie tenor of its c(»n»ents, to believe that the 
 whole has escaped your memory. 
 
 I'inding, on my succeeding to the command, that 
 largo sums -were expended by the military on account 
 <if the Indlait departmcT)!, -witliout the smallest autho- 
 rity fnjui the civil !idmini^tration, although by the 
 Duke of PurtliUid's instructions it is to direct and 
 control all expenditures incurred on that service; 
 and tliat tw consefjuenco great inconveni^nice and 
 much useless expense attended tlie system, 1 took the 
 
 M 
 
^ 
 
 
 SlH ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 
 liberty of suhmitliiig llio following i)roposal for your 
 (.'oiisideration : 
 
 " As the clefioipricios of tho civil revenue arc, under instruc- 
 tions from his majesty's secretary of stale, niiule good from 
 the army extraordiir.iries, I conoeivi.' with a view of siinpli- 
 fyiii}? the accounts that the disbursernenta, whicli hitherto 
 have been made on account of the Indians by the military 
 department, should in the first instance be paid by the civil 
 government." 
 
 To which your honor replied in the following 
 words : 
 
 " No alteration whatever appears to have been made by 
 order of his majesty, with respect to the mode of paying the 
 expenses of tho Indian department in either of the provinces ; 
 and I am inclined to thinii it was intended that the whole of 
 the expense thereof, both in t'pper and Lower Canada, should 
 continue to be defrayed precisely in the same manner, after 
 issuing the additional instructions of the loth December, 
 17lKi, and IGth July, 1800, as it was before ; that is, out of the 
 extraordinaries of the army, by warrants from the command- 
 er-in-chief; or the deputy paymaster-general of the forces. 
 Finding, however, that this has not been the practice in 
 Lower Canada, since the reception of the last-mentioned 
 instructions, / sliall not hesitate to issue my umrrnnt on the 
 receiver-general icfienrver it becomes necessary, botii for th.e 
 salaries of the n/firers I'domjiny to the Imfian department in 
 this province, and fur the payment of any contingent expenses 
 attending the same, ivhich shall he ngulaxly incurred," 
 
 After this iinqiiaiificd assent on your part, all 
 which I conceived remained fur me to do, was to 
 dircnt those under me to desist making further dis- 
 bursements on Jiccount of the Indian department; 
 but at the snine time to continue, in every other 
 respect, to atford all possible assistance in carrying 
 on the service. You must, sir, dotditless be aware 
 that the immediate cause of my submitting this new 
 arrangement for your approval, Avas in conseijuence 
 of two Indian boys being nominally under tuition at 
 the seminary, at a charge of upwards of i;/>0 per 
 annum, during a period the civil government thought 
 (hey had ceased to l)e paid. 
 
 Such useless expenditures must inevitably occur 
 under the old system. 
 
 II 
 
56 
 
 LIFE A>D CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 I am bound by my instructions to provide the 
 civil governnirnt with vvlmtever money it may de- 
 mand on account of the Indian department, but I am 
 strictly restricted incurring the smallest expense on 
 that service ; and therefore, without your previous 
 satictlon, no payment can be made. 
 
 Your honor will find me at all times disposed to 
 concur with you in any arrangement you may think 
 necessary to adopt for the good of his majesty's ser- 
 vice, but I cannot possibly consent to interfere in the 
 expenditure of the public money in cases where I am 
 deprived of all control. 
 
 I have only to add, that should your honor approve 
 of the claim brought forward by the superintendent- 
 general of Indian affairs for barrack allowances, and 
 will signify to me the amount, the same will instantly 
 be discharged ; and I here beg leave to repeat, that 
 feeling myself unauthorized to incur any expense on 
 account of that department, and indeed being pos- 
 sessed of no means of ascertaining the correctness of 
 any demand which might be made for that service, 
 I must regulate my future conduct by the arrange- 
 ment Avhieh has lately been adopted with your full 
 concurrence and approbation. 
 
 In May, 1807, Mr. Barclay, the British consul- 
 neral at New York, informed Mr. President Dunn 
 
 genera 
 
 that in the full of the preceding year a M. Cassins, 
 who had been French coiisid at Portsmouth in JSew 
 Hampshire, had returned to France, where he had 
 an interview with the emperor and Talleyrand, who 
 had ordered him back immediately to the United 
 States — that he had since been at Washington, and 
 was then on his wav to Canada, with the ostensible 
 object of purchasing furs at Montreal, but that his 
 real errand was to tamper with the Canadians, for 
 which purpose l»o had been sent out again. A des- 
 cription of his person was also given, and Colonel 
 
Sni ISAAC BRO( K. 
 
 57 
 
 Brock issued prompt instructions to llie officers com- 
 manding; po^•ts in both jirovinct-s for iiis appreiionsion, 
 in \vhioh case lie was to be taken before a niUi^is- 
 trate, and kept in safe custody until furtlier orders. 
 Monsieur Cassins probal>Iy did not enter Ciinada, as 
 he does not appear to have been appreliended ; and 
 we mention the circumstance lo sliow not only the 
 vipilancc of Mr. Barclay, but the supposed hostile 
 feclinf^ of the Canadians towards tlie liritish luie at 
 this momentous period. 
 
 In this year, in consideration of the lonj^ and 
 faithful services of Mr. R , the deputy barrack- 
 master at St. John's, who left his fiimily in very 
 indip^ent circumstances. Colonel Urock hepf^ed of 
 JJeut. -Colonel Shank, of the Canadian F- icihies, to 
 
 employ Mr. R 's eldi^st son, an ensii;n in that 
 
 regiment, on the recruitin<f service at William Henry, 
 where he was to have the house formerly occupied 
 by the commandinL!: olficer, with the view of uflbrd- 
 infj relief to the widow and her remainin|jj seven 
 children, whose ajxes ranj^cd from seventeen years to 
 twenty months. Colonel Brock further admitted 
 them upon the asylum at William Henry, and <Tave 
 one ration to the mother and half a ration to cacli of 
 tlie children, on condition of their residini; at that 
 place. He seems to have taken »i;reat interest in this 
 unfortunate fandlv, and to iiavc availed himself of 
 his temporary 'oinmand to relieve them to the utmost 
 of his power, ultliouj^h no one could bo more careful 
 of the public money, or more anxious to prevent its 
 misappropriation. 
 
 Colonel Brock to brevet Major Marhemie, Wat Hegimcntj at 
 
 KiiKjston. 
 
 QuKDi-c, 20th June, 1807. 
 
 When I directed you to assemble a court of inquiry 
 to investigate the causes which had prevented the 
 payment of the marine department, by which it 
 
58 
 
 LIFE AND CORnSSrONDIiNCE OP 
 
 heoanie seven mnntlis in arrear, you were furnislicft 
 Avitli such dociinionts as I considered made it inipos- 
 siljle for vou to err ; but tlie result of your proceed- 
 iufrs is so very uusatisfiiclory, and p:ives tliroufjhout 
 such an appearance of inattention, that I feel myself 
 compelitd to desire the court to revive its inquiry, 
 and at t!ie same tinu? to conform strictly to the direc- 
 tions h(!rein contained. 
 
 Captain Frond, in his capacity of assistant deputy 
 quartermaster-general, re))orted ofllciaily, on the 2d 
 of April, that the mnrine department at Kinf^ston 
 was seven months in arrear, and that Mr. Commissary 
 Uoss assiijned the want of cash as the reason. 
 
 Surprised at such a declaration, and wishin^r to 
 establish the fiiet in a reofular manner, I directed his 
 last account with Mr. Denutv Commissiirv-(reneral 
 Craigie, ending the !24th September, 1800, at which 
 time a balance of £,\Vi). 2s. 7^d. stood to his credit, 
 to be transmitted to me. 
 
 A list of bills was likewise forwarded, which Mr. 
 Commissary Ross had subserjiiently drawn up to the 
 2d of April, amountin'^^ to^^ether to i'1327. 10s. 0.]d. ; 
 deducting therefrom the sum of i'KMJ. 2s. 7'^d., due to 
 Mr. Ross, there remained a balance of j£llG7.7s. lOfd. 
 and [ requested he might be called upon to state 
 specifioally before the court, in what manner that 
 amount had been applied, so as to leave no money in 
 Iiis hands, with which to pa} the marine department. 
 Everv thin<j brouifht forward beyond the 2d of 
 Ajiril was extraneous matter, and should not have 
 lieen considered by the court. 
 
 I am yierfecily awure that specie is often difficult 
 to be procured at Kingston, but in the present case 
 bills being drawn, the proceeds must consequently 
 have been in Mr. Ross' possession, and the observa- 
 tion of the court on the subject is therefore impro- 
 perly introduced. 
 
 Mr. Ross' instructions direct him to iiive at all 
 times a preference to the rnarme department, but 
 
SIR ISAAC lJUO( K, 
 
 51) 
 
 
 -liouUl lio in tills instance have deviated from llioni, 
 and paid less urofiit den)ands, 1 am notwithstaiidin;^ 
 incIIiK'd to think ample means still remained in his 
 hands for every other service. This point I wish you 
 clearly to aseertai,), and whether, at any period sidj- 
 s(M|iient to the pay of the marine department becom- 
 ing- due, he had the means of discharijjin;; their 
 arrears. For this purpose it will be necessary you 
 tjhould establish the dates at which payments were 
 made on account of any other service, and to what 
 extent, all of 'vhich you will have the goodness to 
 transmit for mv information. 
 
 vlri'at discontent existed, durin*^ my stay in Upper 
 Caiiada, amon<; the marine de|)artment; and now 
 that 1 po'«se«8 the power, I am determined, as far as 
 I can, to do it away. This act of justice cannot, 
 however, be accomplished unless the officers in com- 
 niand will i^ive their aid, and report every tliinj^ of 
 the kind that occurs within their observation. 
 
 Captain Frend is stationed at Kin^'ston for that 
 pariicular purpose, and much is expected from his 
 intelligence und exertions. 
 
 Colonrl Brock to the Adjutant -General of Jfii 
 Majcsti/s Forcen. 
 
 QuEBi-c, July 1, 1807, 
 
 I have the honor to transmit herewith the inspec- 
 tion return of the 41st refriment for two distinct 
 ])eriods, viz. September 1, IKKJ, and March 1, 1S07. 
 
 Some inaccuracies bein;]^ I'ound in the September 
 return previously received, it was sent back to Lieut. - 
 Colonel Proctor, at Fort George, for coricction. 
 This circumstance and the distance of the place, 
 account for the delav which has occurred in couiijIv- 
 inoj, in the present instance, with the commands of 
 his royal hii^hness the commander-in-chief. 
 
 I'hc very great distance of the quarters the 41 nt 
 now occupy, has prevented my making' personally 
 
 -!ir 
 
 h! 
 
60 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 >i : 
 
 the periodical inspection of that rej^inient, required 
 by inv instructions. But its dispersed state and the 
 many' evils by which it is surrounded will, however 
 great the zeal and intelli<;enco of Lieut. -Colonel 
 Proctor and the other officers, so far affect the dis- 
 cipline and morals of the men, as to justify my 
 sayinj^ that both the one and the other must, without 
 the possibility of a remedy, progressively suffer in 
 proportion as the rcrjiment remains stationed in the 
 Upper Province. The 41st regiment, having a con- 
 siderable number of old soldiers, is better calculated 
 for that service than either the 40th or lOOth 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, injustice to the ofHoers 
 commanding posts, that they evince in their com- 
 munications with head quarters mucb attention and 
 sound judgment. 
 
 Contemplating tbe 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 quiirtered in this garrison, conceiving 
 that his royal highness the commander-in-chief would 
 esteem a repoi't 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 ])etween England and the United 
 States, Colonel Broci-: addressed a letter to Mr. Pre- 
 sident Dunn, in which he said that the number of 
 militia armed and instructed in the province did not 
 exceed 3(K), 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 
 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 01 
 
 
 the country, was not in a condition to make miicli 
 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 lie wished to throw up such works as would 
 remedy this «rlaring defect ; but as tlie garrison was 
 totally inadequate to sucii an undertaking, he rerjuired 
 from V)(K) to 1,0(H) men every day for six weeks or 
 two months, besides a vast number of carts, &c., to 
 complete the necessary d( fences of the citadel. This 
 letter being submitted to tlie council, that body re- 
 plied, 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 been only once resorted to in the pro- 
 vince, on which occasion a decided disobedience M'as 
 generally manifested, and was again to be anticipated, 
 the council enquired of Colonel Brock whether he 
 had the means, and would furnish them, to enforce 
 the attendance of the milit' i, 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 represen- 
 tation, 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 bin by Mr. Byland, and begs leave 
 to observe, that in addressing his honor on the 17tli 
 injJtant, it was far from his intention to assume a 
 political character. 
 
 J A,<4illi M« V i*nlM»H «^-rfLa.i.t iA.^1.' 
 
I 
 
 ()2 
 
 Mir AND rOKUFSPONDKNCE OF 
 
 iris solo oljject was to state the fissistaiico rcqiiirod 
 liy the military to reinody a olariiin; defect in the 
 fortifications of Quebec, should his honor conceive 
 that preparatory measures were necessary to he 
 adopted in consefjuence of the event which recently 
 occurred between his inajesty's ship Leopard and the 
 American i'rh^Hlc Chesapeake, hut more particularly 
 the 8ubse(|aent ap^ressive provisions contained in the 
 proclamation of the American government. 
 
 In thus complyint; with the dictates of his vluty, 
 Colonel Brock was not prepared to hear that the 
 jiopulation of the province, instead of affording him 
 ready and effectual support, mipjht probably add to 
 t(» the number of his enetnies; and he feels much dis- 
 appointment in beln|^ informed by the first authority, 
 that the onlv law in aiiv de<;ree calculated to answer 
 the end proposed Avas likely, if attempted to be en- 
 forced, to meet with such tjeneral opposition as to 
 require the aid of the military to give it even a 
 momentary impulse. 
 
 Colonel Brock is therefore oliliged 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, co- 
 ercively 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 assistanr^e from that quarter ; 
 but, should an emergency arise, he is confident that 
 voluntary offers of service will '>e made bv a consi- 
 dcrable number of brave and loyal suf)jects, and feels 
 hiu)self 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 j>roud to attend 
 deliberations of his honor in council. 
 
 i 
 
SIR (i^AAC nHO( K. 
 
 03 
 
 Colviud Brock to l.onl Viscnitnt Castlereaijh. 
 
 QuF.nKf, July i'-J, 1807. 
 
 I think it my duty to trfinsmit for your lonlsliip's 
 inforuijifioii a oopy of the oommunication tliat lias 
 jias^jcd hcfwoeri his honor tlie prt";i<lent ami me, 
 rt'Iativf! to tlic inilitnrv situation of this oountrv. 
 
 Your hjrdsiiip will porccivo from the minutes of 
 the council, how very itiadeiiuate the militia law is to 
 aflord assistance to the ref^ular force, and the degree 
 of dependance that may be phiced on the j)OjMilatioii 
 of this province. 
 
 Aly own observations, liowevcr, enable me to assure 
 your lordsiiip, that a resptn^table force migiit be 
 trained and rendered cxccedinjrly useful on any cxi- 
 j;cncy, were the least encouragement given to the 
 s[)irit which at present pervades a certain class to 
 volunteer their services. 
 
 To such characters, arms might be safely c itrusted, 
 but, I certainly would consider an indiscriminate 
 distril)ution to the iiiilitia, were it possible to collect 
 it, as highly imprudent find dangerous. 
 
 What I stated to his honor the president respecting 
 the weakness of the works alone; the whole of the 
 west front of this garrison, is consonant to the opinion 
 transmitted bv the officers of engineers and artillerv, 
 in their half-yearly j)eriodical report, to the master- 
 gerufral of the ordnance. 
 
 To a question from the president, viz. "Should 
 the council conc(;ive it necessary to call out the raili- 
 tia, whether I thought r yself warranted to issue pay 
 and provisions to them ? ' I answered. Certainly not : 
 that in all liritish colonies, of Avhich I bad any 
 knowledge, they on all sucb occasions defrayed their 
 own expenses. 
 
 The consideration that there is about i;i30,0rK) 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 
 
 1 i 
 
 I : 
 
 • 
 
(J4 
 
 i.iri: Avn rounrsroNDENTE of 
 
 iTiP to ho positivo upon a subject, regnrding wljicli [ 
 am Avitliout iiistnictiuns. 
 
 << Colonel Brock's Orders. 
 
 *♦ Quebec, 1st September, 1807. 
 
 *' Notwltlistanding tbe positive orders to the com- 
 missaries of posts in Upper Canada, to forward to 
 Quebec periodically, every two months, statements of 
 their accounts. Colonel Brock is sorry to find that 
 son; J of the commissaries in Upper Canada, and 
 particularly the commissary at Kin<;ston, have evinced 
 cirlpable neglect in not com|)lying with his orders. 
 He, therefore, adopts this public manner to express 
 Jus determination of placing other persons to till their 
 situations, in case they contiime, after this caution, 
 inattentive to this most essential part of their duty. 
 
 " Tiie want of specie can be no excuse for not com- 
 plying with the order, as vouchers are only expected 
 for such accounts as have been discharged ; and an 
 abstract of expenses incurred, but not actually paid, 
 is to accompany the ac ounts. 
 
 "A. Ormsby, Capt. 49th regt. 
 "Acting Deputy Adj .-General." 
 
 Colonel Brock tu Lieut. -Colonel J. W. Gordon. 
 
 Quebec, Sept. 0, 1807. 
 
 It is impossible to view tlie 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 
 rnendv to order one-Hftli of the militia, which 
 amounts to about 10,00<) men, to hold it&elf in readi- 
 ness to marcli on the shortest notice. 
 
 
SIR ISAAC urock. 
 
 ftj 
 
 
 'I'lic men thus polccted for service hcinpf scattered 
 aloiiMT nn extensive litie of four or five hundred miles', 
 unarmed and totally nnac(juuinted with every thing 
 iriilitury, without officers eapahlo <»f ^ivint!; them 
 instruction, considerahle time would naturally ho 
 required l)efore the necessary def^ren of order and 
 discipline could ho introduced among them. I there- 
 ibre very mucli douht whether, in the event of actual 
 war, this force couhl assemhie in time, and hecomc 
 Ufieful. 
 
 Without considerahle assistance from tlic militia, 
 tlie few regulars which might he spared from this 
 garrison could av lil nothing against the force the 
 Americans would suddeidv introduce hy varic is 
 roads into tins province. 
 
 The Cimadians have unquestionahly shewn a great 
 willingness upon this occasion to be trained, and, I 
 make not the least douht, 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 
 sufKcient force to secure its safety; the number of 
 troops that could therefore be safely detached Avould 
 be small, notwithstanding a great deal might be done, 
 in conjunction with the militif, in a country inter- 
 sected in every direction by rivers, deep ravines, and 
 lined, at intervals on both sides of the road, by thick 
 woods. 
 
 From everv information I can receive, the Ameri- 
 cans are busily employed in drilling and forming 
 their militia, and openly decdare their intention of 
 entering this province the instant war is determined 
 upon; they will he ( neon raged to adopt this step 
 from the verv defenceless :«tate of our frontiers ; 
 the means at my disposal are too limited to oppose 
 them with cfT'ect in the open field, and I shall be 
 constrained, unless his honor the president make 
 
 i| 
 
 ,i 
 
i'lli 
 
 i.iFF. am» roni<i;si»<)M)i:.N(,i: of 
 
 pxcrfions, which f do not think him at thi** njoniont 
 <lis[)osed to tlo, to contino iiiy\'. 'o the defence of 
 (^iiel)rc. 
 
 J hnvo hastened the conipletiov. .d^ho works wlijcli 
 enclose tlie nnper town of Quebec, i!nd I have 
 thought niyselt justified in causfin}^ a battery of ei<jht 
 JJ()-|>oimderH to be raised sixteen feet upon the cava- 
 lier in tlie centre of tlie citadel, which will effcotually 
 command (lie opposite heights. 
 
 Although these remarkn may bo premature, 1 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 jnotixes which seem at present to guide the 
 councils of this province. Volutitary offers of service 
 have been made by numbers, on whose loyalty the 
 utmost reliance can be j)Iaced, to form themselves 
 into corps of cavalry, artillery, and infintry, at little 
 or nil expense to government, j)rovided they were 
 furnished with arms ; but this liberal spirit has not 
 been encouraged by the president. 
 
 f have the honor to report, that at a recent ititer- 
 view I had at Montreal* with Lieut. -Governor (iore, 
 it was judged expedient that bis excellency should 
 assume the command in the upper province. I re- 
 gretted exceedingly that I could not, with propriety, 
 <letach troops in su|)port of the spirited exertions 
 which will be immediately r»ade to place that coun- 
 try in a respectable state of defence, lie 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. 
 
 * Durlnp: Oilone) Brock's stay at Montreal, Mr. W. M'(!illivrRy, an 
 inttuctitial iiiirtucr, wt- holievi', uf tho Ni)rtli West Coinpaiiy, wrote Id liini 
 on the 'iHth ot Autrust, I HO", that several young k»''>11i'"ic'> *>• niat city 
 liad tiropostd to him to enibody themselves into a troop of cavalry. 
 
KIK IMAAl ltl(0( k. 
 
 
 l.icut -ricn'^rnl Sir Jtimm Cru'uj, K. /J., to Cohnol I]rnck. 
 
 n.iVL.s. Jlorutio, Oct. ir», 1H()7. 
 
 His majesty liaviii^ Iktm picnsrd to appoint lue 
 to tlif chicr j^ovoriiincnt of tlic Hritinli provinct's in 
 Anu'rioa, as well as to tlu; «'oiinnun<l of liis forcon in 
 tlu'w; purlsi, I do inysolt' the pleasure to announce to 
 you my nrrival in llie river, to take these charges 
 ii])(>n tiie. 
 
 I/it'ut. -Colonel IJayncs, the adjutant-general, and 
 Major Thornton, my !se(;relary and first aide-de- 
 camp, will deliver you this, and will inform you of 
 the very miserable state of my health, which ohlif^es 
 nie to write to Mr. Dunn, to inireat that he will 
 permit my landing to he as private as possible. Of 
 you I must make the same request. A salute may be 
 proper, but I beg nothing more may bo done : my 
 object irmst be to get to the chateau as upeedily atui 
 with as little fatigue as possible. 
 
 {•■\ 
 
 '; \'i\ 
 
 •^»'»r--L'#r- ti.T . . 
 
08 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 % 
 
 \ 
 
 Early in the year 1808, Colonel Brock, as we learn 
 from his correspondence, was stationed at Montreal, 
 doubtless in command of the troops there. These 
 were the palmy days of the then celebrated North- 
 West Company, " which for a time held a lordly 
 sway over the wintry lakes and boundless forests of 
 the Conadas, almost equal to that of the East India 
 Company over the voluptuous climes and magnificent 
 realms of the Orient." The principal partners resided 
 at Montreal, where they formed a commercial aristo- 
 cracy, and lived in a {generous and hospitable manner. 
 Few travellers who visited Canada at this period, 
 *'in the days of the M*Tavishes, the M'Gillivray, 
 the M'Kenzies, the Frobishers, and the other mag- 
 nates of the north-west, when the company was in all 
 its glory, but must remember the round of feasting 
 and revelry kept up among these hyperborean na- 
 bobs." * AVith these merchant princes. Colonel Brock 
 appears to have lived on terms of intimacy. 
 
 Licui.- Colonel Thornton \ to Brigadier Jirock, at Montreal. 
 
 Quebec, 7th April, 1808. 
 
 Your report of the state of the chateau at Montreal 
 I have mentioned, but it is not thought right at 
 present to make any considerable repairs to it. I am 
 sorry for your being the sufferer, but I can venture 
 
 ■* Washinp:ton Irvine's "Astoriii." 
 
 ^ Afterwards Lieut. -General Sir William Thornton, K. C. B., &c. 
 
 I« 
 
 
sill l!«AAC DUOCK. 
 
 (ji) 
 
 to nssure you that, liowevpr unfavorable the buildint^ 
 may he, you'oiight never to feel uneasy about your 
 friends, for in your kindness and hospitality no -want 
 of comfort can ever he felt by them : in this I am 
 fully supported !jy all the accounts from Montreal, 
 and I sincerely congratulate you upon the addition 
 to your society there of Judge and Mrs. Rtid, Sir I. 
 Johnson, and Colonel Chabot. 
 
 In the way of news, I can only tell you that the 
 newspapers are perfectly right in respect to the 
 destination of Sir George Prevost. He is appointed 
 lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia; given tiie local 
 rank of lieutenant-general; and made second in 
 command to Sir James Craig, in North America ; 
 so that General C. Campbell, who is senior major- 
 general, cannot come out. The regiments that were 
 to sail with Sir George are the first battalions of the 
 7th, 8th, 23d, and 13th, the last to proceed to Ber- 
 muda. The papers will also have informed you of 
 the appointment of nine inspecting field officers of 
 militia besides myself — six for the Canadas and four 
 for Nova Scotia ; and I hope we may be of as much 
 service to the militia as our rank* and pay are to us. 
 
 Your speaking to M. Berthelot so completely se- 
 cured me his favor, that in my interview with him 
 I really was overpowered with bows and kindness. 
 He begged that Mr. Frobisher and I would make 
 what arrangements wo pleased respecting his houses, 
 and added, that oir determination and pleasure 
 would be his. Our plan of succession is Mr. Fro- 
 bisher to your house, and your humble servant to his. 
 
 Brigadier J3rock to his Brothers. 
 
 MoNTUEAL, 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, 
 
 " Rank of lieutenant-colonel. 
 
 I 
 
 M 
 
70 
 
 LIFE AM) rOHUESI'ONDliNCK Ol 
 
 who, to do liitn justioc, is itifinifcly tlic most attentive, 
 and rojTultir correspondent aiuonp you. 
 
 My appointiTient to bo brigadier 1 Hrst nnnounced 
 bv the M.'iroii n)aii. Tliose wlio fe<.'l an interest in 
 iiiv prosperity will rejoii^o in my {jjood fortune, as this 
 distinjTuished mark of favor alfords undejiiable proof 
 that my conduct, during tlie period of my oomnumd, 
 was approved ; — a great gratification, considering 
 the many difficulties I had to encounter. 1 once 
 thought I sliould be ordered to the upper province, 
 but General Ferguson being among the newly ap- 
 pointed major-geTieruls, 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, w here it was intended he should be stationed. 
 
 What will be the result of our present unsettled 
 relations with tlie neighbouring republic, it is very 
 •liHicult to say. The government is corn|)osed of 
 such unprineij)led men, that to calculate on it by tlit^ 
 ordinary rules of action would be p<;rfectly absurd. 
 We have completely outwitted Jetferson in all ins 
 schemes to provoke us to war. IJc iiad no other 
 view in issuing his restricti\e proclamation ; but, 
 failing in that, be tried what the embargo would j)ro- 
 duce, and there he has been foiled again. Certainly, 
 our administration is deserving of every praise for 
 their policy on these occasions. Jetierson and his 
 party, however strong the inclination, ilare not de- 
 clare war, and therefore they endeavour to attain 
 their object by every provocation. A few weeks 
 since, the garrison of Niagara fired upon seven mer- 
 chant boats j)assing the fort, and actually captured 
 them. C'onsiderJnfT the circumstances attendintj this 
 hostile act, it is but too evident it was intended to 
 ])rovoke retaliation : these boats fired upon and taken 
 within musket shot of our own fort ; I heir balls fall- 
 ing on our shore, was expected to have raised the 
 iiulignation of the most |)hlegmaric ; fortunately, the 
 commundanf was not in the wav, as otherwise it is 
 
 , 
 
Yi 
 
 SIR ISAAC HUOCK. 
 
 71 
 
 ditticull to say wluit would have Ijiipponod. A ivpte- 
 sentatioii of this iJlair has hoen iiiadc at Washirifrton, 
 nrnl, for an act certainly opposed to existing treaties, 
 we have heen relerred for justice to the ordinary 
 course of the hiw ! If our suhjeets cannot eoinniand 
 impunity from cajtture uiuh'r the truiis of our own 
 ibrts, it were hrtlor to demolish tliem at once rather 
 than witness and suffer such inditrnitv. Bv the treu- 
 ties which liave expired, the navi*j;ation of tiie waters 
 that divide (lie two countries is re«j;ulat(!d and stijm- 
 Jatt.d to iu' still in force, althoufih every other part 
 should cease to be ol)]i^atory. 
 
 I get on l)ere yjretty well, but this place loses at 
 this season tlie undouhied advanta«re it possesses over 
 Quebec in winter. Great additions are making- to 
 the fortifii'ations at Quebec, and, when completed, 
 the Amerif-ans will, if! mistake not, tliink it prudent 
 not to trouble the place, for they can liave no chance 
 of niakinj^ any imj)ression uj)on it during the short 
 ])eriod which the severity of the ellmatc ordy permits 
 an enemy to lay before it. I erected, as [ believe 
 I told you before, a famous battery, wliicdi the pid)!ic 
 voice named after me ; but Sir James, thinking very 
 probaldy tliat any thing so very pre-eminent should 
 be distiriguislicd by rhe most exalted appellation, has 
 called it the King's Battery, the greatest compliment, 
 I conceive, that he coidd pay to my judgment.* 
 Not a desertion has been attempted by any of the 
 4i)th for the last ten nuiuths, with tlio excei)tion in- 
 deed of ITogan, SavLvvi former servant. lie served 
 fJlegrr in the same cs pacify, who took him with him 
 to the FpHs of Niagara, whtre a fair damsel persuaded 
 him to this act of madness, for the fellow cannot 
 possibly gain !.;• bread by labour, as lie has half 
 killed himself with excessive drinkino,"; and we know 
 lie cannot live upou love alone. The weather lias 
 
 '■ ) 
 
 ^ 
 
 * In SOUK! Ii'iok or I'tavoK in Catiadu, DuiicKn's wi tliink, it is st'i1>'<t 
 that the liifclu'st liattory in Uiu-Iil-c is called Urock's Uutlery : wc know 
 nut wliethcT it hv. Unit on-ct* d itv sir Kmiac HrtRk 
 
7*2 LIFE AND nOBRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 been exc^ediiifcly hot tbo last week, the thermometer 
 fluctuating froni t)4' to IIXP in the shade. The em- 
 hufo-o luis proved a famous harvest to some merchants 
 hero. It 1*9 certainly the most ridiculous measure 
 imnfinable, and was evidently adopted with the view 
 of pleasinji France ; but no half measure can satisfy 
 Na|}oleon, and this colony lias been raised by it to a 
 degree of importance that ensures its future prosperity. 
 
 BrUjadier Brock to his Brothers. 
 
 Quebec, September 5, 1808. 
 
 I have been hero but a few days, having been 
 superseded at Montreal by Major- General Drum- 
 mond. I do not approve much of the change, as 
 being separated from the 49th is a great annoyance 
 to me. IJut soldiers must accustom themselves to 
 frequent movements; and as they have no choice, 
 it often liappens that they are placed in situations 
 little agreeing with their inclinations. My nominal 
 appointment has been confirmed at home, so that 1 
 am really a brigadier. Were the 49th ordered hence, 
 the rank would not be a sufficient inducement to 
 keep me in this country. In sucli 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 Guern- 
 sey. Indeed, the navy has little left to do, while the 
 array 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 hi.i Brothers. 
 
 QiEBKc, November 19, 1808. 
 
 Yesterday Irving's letter of the 19th Seplember 
 reached me. IIow \ery thankful I feel for his 
 
 
^ 
 
 SIR ISAAC BHOCK. 
 
 73 
 
 attention. Htit I l)!ivo not received tliat wliioli lie 
 mention? Savcrv liud wrillen on the saino day, l^i^in;]; 
 an account of his jiroc<cdin|^s in Spain and l*ortu<];nl. 
 This is a truly niortifyinfr disappointnient, as it is 
 inipos^i'ole to discover by tlie public prints the mys- 
 tery by Avliit'h the conduct of our officers has been 
 influenoed. The prc(;auti<>n which Irving took to 
 transiTibe a pnrt ot' the letter litis ))roved very lucky. 
 NotwithstandiiiL^, 1 look for the original with un- 
 usual impatience, as Savery'n opinion must be formed 
 U)»on what he saw in the beat disciplined army that 
 ever, I imagine, left England. His observations arc 
 never thrown away. 
 
 I urn still confined to my room, more indeed on 
 account of the badness of the weather than anv want 
 of progiess in my recovery. We have had very hard 
 gales from the l^'ast. The Iphigenia frigate, with 
 lier convov, could not have cleared the land, and the 
 greatest apprehension is entertained for her safety. 
 Her commander. Captain I.ambert, is a friend of 
 George Brock. I rind liim an exceedingly good fel- 
 low ; and I have reason to think that he left us well 
 satisH«'d w ith the attention he receivcil from me.* 
 
 Sir .fames ('raig has certain intimation of the ap- 
 jiointment of Colonel JJuron de Kotlenburg, of tlie 
 ()l>th, to be a brigadier in this country, and he is 
 dfiilv lookei for. This most probablv will make a 
 change in n)y situation, as one musl 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 J 
 can obtain jtermission; but unless onr attjiirs with 
 America be amicably adjusted, of which 1 see no 
 probability, I scarcely can expect lo be jicrmitted to 
 move. 1 rejoice Saverv has be«run to exert himself 
 lo get me appointed (o a more active situation. I 
 must see service, or I may as well, and indeed much 
 
 * "Till ynmi^.' itnr! Kalla'.i " I'liiiiain Hi-iiry Laiiihort. inciitinvcil above, 
 wa.s tnortally wumultil in lion'iiiliiT, 1S12, m tomnmiKl of H- M. .S. Juvh, 
 wlu'n she was captured by lUo Amcricun frigate Constitution, of greatly 
 superior force 
 
74 
 
 LIIK AM» t.'ORHKSr'ONI)E.N(.'K OK 
 
 hotter, (]uit ilio iirmy ut once, tor no fnio lulvfnitacje 
 can I reasoDiihy look to licrouftor ii' 1 rcriiniii Imricc' 
 iti tl)i< inactive, remote corner, witliout tlie leiist rnen- 
 ri'^n beinix made of me. Should Sir J;inies Sruiniarez 
 retiirji from ti.e lialtii; crowin <1 with siiecess, he 
 couhl, I should think, say a good word for nic to 
 souje purpose. 
 
 Vineent* is doinix cxtroniely will. I licwever 
 dread the severity of a winter upon liis t^hattercd 
 frame, I nuist contrive to meet and dissipate tlie dull 
 iiours with my i^'ood friends of the 4i)th. J have pre- 
 vailed upon Sir James to ajipoint Sor^jjeunt Ilohinson, 
 master of the band, to a situation in the commif<sai'iat 
 at Sorel, woi'fh Jis. Otl. a day, M'itli subaltern's lod;^ing 
 moncv and other allowances. Jle married a Jcrsev 
 lass, wliuse relatives may inf(uire lor him. 
 
 
 II 
 
 It will l)(^ seen bv the next letter and a few others 
 which follow, thai Sir Isaaci JJrock was well aware 
 of the existence among the Frcneli Canadians of a 
 ceriainly natural spirit of di-.aJK:ction, which, in 18'}7, 
 broke out into o))fw rolellion, the bUj)pression of 
 which eariK'd Sii' John Colborne (the present i^ord 
 Scaton) his peeraf^e. The outbreak caused great loss 
 of life, and considerable expense arising not only 
 from the hurried dispatch to (Quebec of a large body 
 of .'rooj)s from Nova Scotia and Eniiland, but from 
 the retention iu the Canada^, of about 1(^(.KM) meti (or 
 a few years, to overawe the disaifeeted, and to repress 
 the piratical incursions ol* the citizens of the United 
 States in their favor. 
 
 Driijadier Brock ti) //<» brother WiU'uim. 
 
 QuKuiif, December 31, 18(J1). 
 ^'ou V 'M long since have lieen convinced that the 
 Aiu;,:ican governmtut is determined to involve tiie 
 
 * Th' prosciif (ji'iK'-ul Viiicniit, coloiii-l ut tt\c t)!Jtl< tni>i. He was tlit'ii 
 inajur of tlu- 4i)tl) 
 
silt ISAAC HHO( K. 
 
 75 
 
 two oniintrios in a war; they liavc already ^ivoii us 
 legitiinali; e.ui^o, but, if wiso, \v(! will studiously 
 avoid doiriir that for which they shew so great an 
 anxiety. Their finances, you will perceive, are very 
 low, and they dare not jiropo.-ie direct, taxes. They 
 must have recouise to loans at a time wlien fhey have 
 only six I'ri^ales in commission, an<l about five thou- 
 sand men endjodied. To what a state of poverty and 
 wretchedness would the accumulated expenses of war 
 reduce them ! Hut they look to the success of their 
 privateers for a supply, and eo>iteuij)lalc the sweeping; 
 away of all foiei;^n» d»ibts as the means of reduein<^' the 
 calls upon their treasury. What(!ver steps J:ln|j;land 
 may adopt, 1 think she cannot, in prudence, avoid 
 sendin<i; a stron;jf military force to these pro\inees, as 
 they ar«; now beeonu: ol intinlte imjiovtJiiice to her 
 Yon can si-areely eonct i\e the cjuantities ol' tiridjer and 
 spars of all kinds which are lyiu):; on the beach, ready 
 for sbipment to J'ln'j.land in the spring : four Ijundred 
 vessels woulil not be suliieieni io take all away. 
 Whence can l''.n<Tl;ind be -upplied vvitli these essential 
 articles, l)ut from the (laniidas .' ]ionaj)iirtc, it is 
 knoNvn, has expressed a stronj^ desire to be in j)os 
 session of the colonics formerly belonging* to ]''rance, 
 and now that ihcy art; become so valuable to I'ngland, 
 his anxietv to wj-cst them from us will naturiilh- 
 increase. A small French ibrce, 4 or 0,01m) men, 
 with jilenty of muskets, would most assuredly conquer 
 this province. The Canadians would join them al- 
 most to a uuin- — at least, the exceptions would be so 
 few as to bc' of little avail. It may a))pear surprisinL;; 
 that men, petted as they have been and indulged in 
 every thinu' they could <lesire, should wish for a 
 change. Hut so it is — and I am apt to think that, 
 were ]<hig!ishmen pliiced in the same situation, they 
 would shew even inorc impntienoe to escape iVom 
 French rule, i ow essentially different are he. feel- 
 ings of the people from when I first knew them. The 
 idea prevails generally auiong them, that IVapoleoii 
 
7G 
 
 LIFE AND fORRRflPONnKNCE OP 
 
 inujit succeed, siiid nltiniulely ^et possession of tlipse 
 j)rovinceH. The l)(>i<l nud violent are heeoinini^ every 
 dnv more {uidiicioiiH ; and the tinrid, ivith that impres- 
 sion, tltmk it better and more prudent to withdraw 
 altogether iVoni the society of tlie English, rather 
 than ran tlie chance of beinj^ accused liereafter of 
 partiality to lliem. 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 i^rowing turbulent spirit. The 
 governor will, it is foreseen, have a ditlicult card to 
 play next month with the assend)ly, which is really 
 p'ttinj^ too daritifi^ and arrogant. Every victory which 
 Naj)oleon has jxained for the last nine years, has 
 made the disposition here to resist more manifest. 
 
 BHijadier Brock to his shtcr^in-htw, Mrs, W. Brock. 
 
 QuEh'c, June 8, 181 0. 
 
 It ivas rnv decided, intention lo ask for leave to 
 go to England tliis fall, but I have now relinrjuished 
 the thuutfht. Several untoward circumstances com- 
 bine to oppose my wishes. The spirit of insubordi- 
 nation lately manifested by tlie Fren{di C!anadiun 
 j)opulation of this colony nrUurally called for pre- 
 cautionary measures J and our worthy chief is induced, 
 in consequence, to retain in this country those on 
 whom he can best coniide I am liijrhlv llattered in 
 l)eing r( ekorj.pd among tlie number, whatever inward 
 disappointment I may ft '1. Some unpleasant events 
 have likewise happened in the upj)er country, which 
 have occasioned my receiving intimation to proceed 
 thither, wheth( r as a permanent station, or merely as 
 a temporary yW\{, Sir James CJraig has not deter- 
 mined, Should, however, a senior brirjadier to my- 
 self come out in the course of the summer, T shall 
 certainly be fi"fd in the T pper Province, and there is 
 every probability of suctj an addition very soon. 
 Since all my etforts to get more actively employed 
 
SIR ISAAC nnocK. 
 
 77 
 
 have failed ; since fate decrPi's tliat the best portion 
 of my life is to he wasted in iiia< lion in the (,'aiiadas, 
 I am rather pleased with the prospect of removiii;^ 
 upwards. 
 
 There is a lady llvlni^'' at Harnet for whom I feel 
 much int<(rested. If you should hy cliaucc drive 
 that way, and do not ohject to form a new aequsiint- 
 ance, I wish you to call upon her. She is the wife of 
 Captain Manners, of the 4',)th, and the daughter of 
 the celebrated Dr. Rush, of lMiiladeIj)hia. She lias 
 a most amiiible disposition and genteel manners. 
 Her sister, Mrs. Ross i'uthbert, a charming littlo 
 creature, makes lier husband — my most intimate 
 friend, and with whom 1 pass a great part of my 
 leisure hours — a njost happy man. 
 
 I received the other day a long and exceedingly 
 well written letter from Jlenrietta Tup[)er* — she i;* 
 really a charming girl. What! Maria,* (l*otenger) 
 do you begin to slacken in your attention to your poor 
 devoted uncle ? 
 
 Brigadier Brock to his brother Irving. 
 
 QuEBEr, July 9, 1810. 
 
 I have a thousand thatdcs to oHbr vou 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 onormity of my head, I 
 iind the utmost ditttculty in getting a substitute in 
 tliis country. 
 
 I proposed writing to you early to-morrow, but 
 Sir Jan)es havintr ihis instant intimateel his intention 
 of sending me upwards immediately, 1 avail myself 
 of an liour's leisure to do that hastily which 1 would 
 gladly have done (juietly, and, consefiuenily, more 
 fully. !f I am to remain in this country, I care little 
 
 I 
 
 * His niece. 
 
7H 
 
 MIE AND CtJmiE.SPflNDFNTK (i| 
 
 wlicro I iWM |)liicpd ; hut liouv^ up, nc I Ao now, 
 witliDut kii«»vvln«4 wlmtlicr I am to stay or rrtiirn, is 
 ()jirtif?ulnrlv awkward, and intorrr("^ niaforially in all 
 inv futiir' arnini^i'incnts : pcrliajj- I sliull be aMo to 
 get tlir |»oi;it s( lllod lictbrc 1 con .iciifio my joiirnry. 
 
 FiVcrv tliiiiL; liore remains in a stale of pc'foct 
 qiii« tnosfci. It is but too evident that the (^anailianH 
 grMiLTullv arc hfcominf; daily more anxious to {ret rid 
 of I lie rlnfjlish. This thev cannot irt'ect unie'^s a 
 Kroncii force come t<» their aid, and 1 do not think 
 flmt Honapartc uotdd ri>k the loss of a fleet and 
 army for the cli nee of ^eltint; possession of the 
 oonntrv. What ''ifatuation ! No people had ever 
 more ( .uise to rejoice at their fate; bat ihey are not 
 siNHuhir, as all mankind seems prone to eiian<ie, 
 iiowever disadvantajx^'ous or j»rodnetive of confusion. 
 
 Savery forwarded your jHimphlet to me. You 
 Jiave taken a very proper view of the political dissen- 
 «i(:ns which at (his moment dis;^racc Kngland, Those 
 to whom T base allowed a perusal, and who are infi- 
 nitely better judges than [ can pretend to be, sj)eak 
 of the purity of the lan<;u;irre in terms of hifrh appro- 
 bation. V'ou have happily sailed the style to the 
 matter. Several copies have, uithin a few days, 
 bren in circinlation here. Savery speaks of a letter 
 you rec«Mved, in coi)sef|uence, from liOrd Melville. 
 I hope you will not fail in sending me a copy, as I 
 am all anxiety for your literary fame. As vou differ 
 in sentiment from the lidinburnh lleview, I hope 
 that you have made up your miral to an unmerciful 
 lashini(. 
 
 J do not see the smallest pro^pect of my gettinj:^ 
 away from here, as the disposition manifested by th<! 
 Canadians will 0(;casion a lar<»e military force to be 
 kept in the country, and it will servo as a plea to 
 n .ain all at their posts. T wisli that i could boast 
 of a little more patience than I teel I now possess. 
 
 riie fortilications of Quebec are improving pretty 
 rapidly, but workmen cannot be procureil in sufficient 
 
«ilK I8AAI Ulirx K. 
 
 '{i 
 
 mnnhcr («• prncot^d jis fast as «;ov(?rmncnt would winli. 
 I.aliouivrs now ^vl 7<. (J<1. u ilu\ , and nrlificors from 
 l*2«i. to l^H. I'pwards of tliroo liuiidrod vosscls liuvo 
 already arrived — a prodigious .juuibor. 
 
 Jiriymlicr lirock to hli sinfer-in-liiw, Mrx. WUUam Brock. 
 
 Qh:hk(, July 10, IHIO. 
 
 T cnmiot allow llio frigate to depart without soiid- 
 inp; mv aflootioiiato Ionc t(» von. A ( «iierti!?i'V vessel 
 irrived a i'ew davs avro. wliich brouiilif nie a letter 
 I'rorn Savory of lOfli May, and nolliing nould hi' 
 more /ratifyinfr than the eontcnts. The May fle< f, 
 which >ail<'d .lOiu Portsmouth tlio '24lh, rrac.'hed llii^ 
 in thirty •• •' -, lut as it had not a ncrapo of a pi u lor 
 1111', its 0)11' ' did not interest rue. VN'e 'lave heen 
 nnconimon' the last fortnight ; two lin'ates at 
 
 anehor, md the ai rival of (Srovernor Gore from the 
 T'pper l^iovince, liave {riven a zest to society. Uoees, 
 country and wati?r prirtios, have oreupifil our linio 
 in a continued round of festivity. Surh stimulus is 
 highly necessary to keep our spirits afloat. I con- 
 tributed my share to tlie general mirth in a grand 
 dinner given to Mrs. Gore, at which Sir J. Craig 
 was present, and a I)all to a vast assendjlage of all 
 descriptions. 
 
 1 m(!ntioned in a former letter my apj)rohpnsions of 
 being ordered to the Upper Province. I. return this 
 moment from wailing' upon Sir Jamep, who sent for 
 me, to sny lie regretted he must part nvIiIi me, as Ijc 
 found it ah^( intelv necessarv that I should proceed 
 uj)war(ls without delay. I am placed in a Ncry 
 awkward jiredicament, as my stay in that country 
 depends wholly upon contingencies. Should a bri- 
 gadier arrive, 1 am to be stali<Miary, but otherwise 
 return to Quebec. jN'othing could be more provoking 
 and inconvenient than this arrangeinent. Unless I 
 take up every thing with me, 1 shall be miserably oiT, 
 for nothing bevond eatables is to be liad tliere : and 
 

 IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
 k 
 
 A 
 
 O 
 
 /- 
 
 
 .5i"^. 
 
 
 w 
 
 I/. 
 
 
 1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 1^12^ 12.5 
 
 |io ■^~ HSH 
 
 11-25 ill 1.4 
 
 1.6 
 
 Photographic 
 
 Sciences 
 Corporation 
 
 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 
I 
 
 
 8() 
 
 LIFE AND CORUESPO^DENCE 01 
 
 in case I j)rovi(le the requisites to rrmke my abode 
 in tiie winter in any vvay cornfortablc, and then be 
 onJered baek, tlie expense will be ruinous. But I 
 must submit to all this witliout repininti;, and since 
 I cannot fjot to Europe, [ care little where I am 
 pbiccf). I have the most deli;j;htful garden imagina- 
 ble, with abundance of melons and other good tilings, 
 all of which I must now desert. 
 
 What am I to tell you from this out-of-the-way 
 place. Your old friends of the 41)th are well, but 
 scattered in small detachments all over the country. 
 They are ju^stly great favorites at head quarters. 1 
 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 shorl 
 ac(juaintance, approve of her much — she is all good- 
 ness. 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 amj)ly for the unbounded 
 kindness you have all along shewn tljem. If I am 
 able in the fall to procure handsome skins for mufftj 
 worth their acceptance, I. shall send some to the dear 
 little girls ; they ought, however, to write to mc. 
 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 bcfna my journey 
 upwards in the course of a few days. 
 
 Brigadier Brock accordingly proceeded to the Up- 
 per Province, Baron de Uottenburg having replaced 
 liim at Quebec ; and, with the exception of a few 
 months in 1811, during which he visited Lower 
 t/Unada, he continued in command of the troo[)s 
 there till his death, Lieul.-()lovernor Gore at first 
 adminisitering the civil government. 
 
 
SIR ISAAC nnoiK. 
 
 81 
 
 i 
 
 Volviifl Uayncs, the Ad/ulant-Gvuoral, to BrUjadicr 
 lirock, at Fort Gcorijc. 
 
 QirEiiEC, September 0, 1810. 
 
 The Brigadler-Gen(?ral (linron de Rottenburg) is 
 Sir James' (Craij^j senior in age by a year, but is 
 still stro/ig and ac.l e, and looks mucli younger. J 
 am M'ell pleased with the little I have seen of him, 
 whicli by the bye is very little, for I only returned 
 yesterday from Screl. Mrs. de Rottenbtirg* has 
 made a complete conrpiest of all hearts. She is in 
 reality remarkably handsome, both in face and figure, 
 and her manners uuoommonly pleasing, graceful, 
 and affable. There is, I fancy, a great disparity of 
 years. They both speak English very fluently, and 
 with very little foreign accent. Sir Jam<^s (Craig) 
 is remarkably well : we celebrated the anniversary 
 of his sixtieth year yesterday at a very pleasant party 
 at l*owell Place. Our general court martial is over, 
 and will be published in orders to-morrow. A sol- 
 dier, who was under sentence of death for desertion 
 from the ]01st regiment, and transferred to the 8th, 
 and a Jonathan of the Canadians, who is considered 
 a ringlead(ir, are sentenced to be shot ; the others, a 
 dozen in number, are to be transported to serve for 
 life in tlie African corps. 
 
 Drujadier Brock to his lirothers, 
 
 FoKT CrEoiiGE, Sept. .1J3, 1810. 
 
 My good and dear friends, — 1 have been of late 
 so much upon the move, ihat 1 had no thought of 
 writing to you, and no letters of yours put me in 
 mind that I should do so. He^'c I am stationed for 
 son)e time, unless 1 succeed in the application I 
 mean to make shortly for permission to visit England. 
 At i)resent, Vincejit, (ilegg, and AVilliams, 40th, 
 enliven this lonesome place. They arc here as 
 
 * The iiiotlicr ot the present Ladv William Paget 
 
 f 
 
H2 
 
 (.III-: ANI> COHKI'SPONDKNCi; OF 
 
 jiieirib'. rs ofa^t.'iieral rourt martial, and are soon to 
 (lc[)urt, wlicn 1 hliall be left to iny own reflections. 
 Should I be so lucky as to obtiun leave, I shall not 
 coinnicni e n.t\ journey to New York until after 
 (^liristnias. Baron de Rottenburg-, a senior brijra- 
 dier, has arrived at Quebec, Avliere he remains. His 
 presence unquestionably diminislies my j)rosjjects in 
 this country, and I should stand evidently in my 
 own lipflit if I did not court fortune elsewhere. 
 
 [ have becji as far as Detroit, a deliijlitful country, 
 far exceedintf auv ihinyf 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 nne\j)ected passenger to scribble 
 this in tin; presence of many of the court, who tell 
 me it is time to resume our labours; therefore, my 
 beloved brothers, adieu, T shall write again in a 
 [ow days, via New York. 
 
 Colonel Dayncs to Drigadwr Brock, at Fort Gfloryc. 
 
 Quebec, October 4, 1810. 
 
 \\\j yestonlay'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 pur- 
 pose, the more so as I apprehend an exam])le to be 
 much called for in the lOOth regiment. Murray 
 seenis sanguine that the regiment will go on better 
 under his rule, and that he knows the men better. I 
 hope his conjecture iray 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 
 vour pergonal views and wishes, I gave Sir James 
 your letter to read ; it did not, liowever, draw^ from 
 him any renuirk on tl' topics. J know that he is 
 very strongly impress rith the necessity of having 
 a person like yourself for some time in the Upper 
 Province, that i scrutinizing eve mav correct the 
 
 
Sm ISAAC UIIOCK. 
 
 83 
 
 errors and neglect that liavc crept in, and put all in 
 order atrain ; and, in ('(mjidanve between our.si'ices^ 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 mo^t indiscreet and indecent 
 cbnversation at his table, to blot himself out of his 
 f^uod opinion. The conversation ^^as on the subject 
 of Cobbett, and the colonel's the only dissenting voice, 
 which he exerted with the more energy in proportion 
 to the badnos 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 rejieat aufl 
 justify the very offensive and illiberal publications of 
 Cobbett respecting the Gorman 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 u 
 corps, could take a pleasure in exposing such senti- 
 ments as he had heard from Colonel M. Colonel 
 Kempt, Avho naturally feels much interested for his 
 young cousin, (Mrs. Murray,) and who really deser^^-es 
 and merits it for her own sake, was much mortified 
 and vexed at Murray's impropriety.* 
 
 The charms of Mrs. de Rottenburg have not effaced 
 you from t!ie recollection of your friends, who very 
 sincerely regret your absence. 
 
 * Whatever may )iavc been CoIodcI Murray's iniliscrctioti on this 
 occasion, he appniveil himself one of the m(vst tjallant and enterprising: 
 officers in Canada durin;? the war, and particularly distingiiislied liiinself 
 in the assault and capture nf Fort Niairara, in Decembfr, I8i:!, where he 
 was severely wounded. If ('oloncl Murray admired Cubhetfs writinijs, he 
 was not singular, a^ he was perhaps the most forcible political writer in 
 the English language. 
 
 1 !, 
 I I 
 
 '■ \V. i 
 
 :i!: 
 
 I 
 
H4 
 
 LIKE AM) ( OUHKfll'ONDENrE OF 
 
 5 
 
 ' ' 
 
 lAvut.-Culonol Thornton to Briijiulicr liroch, 
 
 Quebec, October 4, 18J0. 
 
 1 was yosterday fUvorod with your letter of the 
 •ii3d 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.* lie has 
 in consequeuce directed the allowance of the raiion 
 to be authori/ed and continued to him, for which 
 purpose 1 nmst request his Christian name and the 
 date of the first issue ; but T am to remind you of the 
 dnrifj^er of establishing; a precedent of this nature, and 
 to request, in the ^eneral'y, name that you will refrain 
 as mucli as possible from indulging the natural bene- 
 volence of your disposition in this way, as he has 
 hitherto resisted all applications of this sort. 
 
 Your successor, as commandant of Quebec, is cer- 
 tainly 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 eara ct (iohw spona : she is 
 young, (twenty-three,) fair, beautiful, — lively, dis- 
 creet, 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 whi»i 1 have said it is necessary further to add 
 and explain, that it is Jiot my opinion alone but that 
 of the pul»lic. 
 
 Two hundred volunteers for Colonel Zoucli, from 
 other veteran battalions, have just arrived and landed: 
 the regiment is to be completed in this manner to one 
 thousand. 
 
 * Sir Isaac Brock was several yciirs in the 8th rei^inipnt, but this old 
 man liail luohably servcil with his brothi-r, J,icut. -Colonic) John Urock, 
 who was iiiiiny )ears in the Hth, in Canada, during and after the lirst 
 American war, and who on his return home used to describe the dreadfu! 
 state of solitude in whicii he lived while a subaltern on detachment in 
 the upper countr) The lieutenant-colonel of the 8th at thix period 
 amassed a considerable siun by dealing in furs, wliich he purchased at a 
 cheap rate from the Indiens. 
 
 
SIR ISAA{ nnocK. 
 
 85 
 
 i'oLoncl Jiaynm to Ur'ujadiar Itrock. 
 
 QuKHKC, October 11, 1810. 
 Sir Jiiinos lias eonvorsed with mo fully on the 
 subject ol your wish for leave, and prefaced it by 
 declariuijj himself very desirous on his part to forward 
 your views as far as he could do so with propriety, 
 but that ho had Avrittfii in such stronrj terms, urj^iu}^ 
 the necessity of a thiril fjeneral officer beiii|^ kept con- 
 stantly on the start" of the Canadas, and assigned as a 
 principal reason the advantaixe of an officer of that 
 rank beijig stationed in the Upper Province, that he 
 docs not conceive himself at liberty to overset an 
 arrangement which he has been, two years solicitinL, 
 the means to carry into effect, and the absolute 
 necessity of whicli he is highly impressed with. In 
 reply to an observation of mine, that you regretted 
 the inactiv(i ])rosj)ect before you, and looked with 
 envy on those employed in Spain and Portugal, he 
 said : " 1 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 1 would ask for another general officer 
 being sent in his place immediately to [Jpper 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. 
 
 Brigadier Brock to Lieut. -Governor Gore, 
 
 FoitT George, Jan. 0, ISll. 
 
 Having lately I'cceived a letter from Colonel Vesey, 
 in which he urges me to ascertain whether it be pes- 
 
 a 
 
 ' \ 
 
8() 
 
 \.UE AND COIIKKSPONDKNCE OF 
 
 It ¥ 
 
 Ir ij 
 
 siMe to sociire to liis fuinily sornc licriefit from tlio 
 frraiit of five fliousajul ncnui lie has so long: unprofit- 
 al)l}' lielil, I nin cncour:i<^od by the disposition your 
 excellency luis uniformly cv need to serve him, to 
 renew my earnest request that your influence may be 
 iioNv exerted in his behalf. 
 
 1 am <,nvcn 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 undergoinjx 
 a survey near the head of Luke Ontario. Were it 
 porfsible to ensure Colonel W>sey eligible situations 
 m those districts, he no longer would hesitate in 
 incurring the necessary expense. 
 
 Your excellency having sionified your intention of 
 visitincr Enuciand in the course of next summer, I am 
 impelled to the present application by the con-idera- 
 tlon that, before your return, the land, which 1 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 Gth instant shoidd have been 
 earlier acknowledged, but that I was desirous to ren- 
 der 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 town 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. 
 
 
 I I 
 
1 I 
 
 I 
 
 SIK rSAAC nHO( K. 
 
 h: 
 
 Tho lownships lately survcyotl iiro partial cxoop- 
 tioiis to tho gcrionil rule, tor tlic express purpose 
 of estubliyliini; roads through the province, a!id the 
 locations in that exception are by an act of government 
 expres«*ly reserved for actual settlers. 
 
 The utmost in my ])o\ver to do for Colonel Vosey 
 is to adopt the latitude directed by his majesty in 
 favor of General Arnold, which m to permit his re- 
 presentative to locate his land in any open township, 
 and to pass the p.itent without his personal attendance. 
 
 Exclusive of m\ verv sironjx desire to serve (^olo- 
 nel Vesey, 1 be<x you will believe that 1 should have 
 liad a very particular gratification in promoting' the 
 success of any measure for which you are pleased to 
 express an interest. 
 
 Jirigadier Jirock to liu brother Irvimj. 
 
 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 likewi-ie the ()b.<erver^ 
 or any other weekly depository of domestic news. 
 You, who have passed all your day^ 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 
 establisliment, otherwise 1 she .•!, from inclination, 
 confine mv intercourse to a verv 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 1 hazard so long a journey. The heavy 
 rains which have fallen ibr the lust ten days have de- 
 layed ray progress, as I did not choose to undertake 
 the journey on horseback. T by no means admire 
 
 ) 
 
 V 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 J 
 
 } 
 
 1 
 
 
 U! 
 
 I 
 
88 
 
 MIE ANf) (OlinKSl'ONDFNCE OF 
 
 II i 
 
 (I ;: 
 
 travullin'; aloiio in 90 comrurtUss a maimer, in wliiclj 
 tlio gratification would not rt'|iay tlu! inconvfnionce. 
 
 I purpose (lin;<!tin<jf my stoj)s in tlu; first instance 
 to IJallslown, a medicinal water of great celebrity, 
 al)out twenty miles norrli of Albany. ] tlicn cx[tect 
 to b<' joined by .James JJrock, and probably by some 
 others of the 41)th. I shall wait ten days, not only 
 to ^ive him full time to come np, but likewise to try 
 the efficacy of the waters, as I liave an idea that they 
 will be serviceable to me. I feel at this moment 
 infinitely better, but am not quite the thing, without 
 knowint;' what ails me. A sound jolting and change 
 of air will produce wonders, and make me look once 
 more upon a beefsteak with apj)etite. At present I 
 live very abstemiously, and scarcely ever touch wine. 
 
 I mentioned in a former letter th.'it the new arrange- 
 ments deprived me of tiie comfort of a companion. 
 Expecting to obtain leave to visit England, 1 thought 
 it of little consequence, but now that such an indul- 
 gence is denied me, I feel sadly the want of a lively, 
 communicative associate. 1 hardly ever stir out, 
 and unless I have company at l)omc, my evenings 
 are passed solus. I read much, but good books are 
 scarce, and 1 hate borrowing. 1 like to read a book 
 quickly, and afterwards revert to such passages as 
 have made the deepest inqtression, and which appear 
 to me most inqjortant to remember — a practice I 
 cannot conveniently pursue unless the book be mine. 
 S]jou!d you find that I am likely to remain here, i 
 wish you to send me soidc choice rithors in history, 
 parlicidarly ancient, with maps, and the best transla- 
 tions of ancient works. I read in my youtli Poi)e's 
 Translation of Homer, but till lately never discovered 
 its exquisite beauties. As 1 grow ohl, 1 acquire a 
 taste for study. 1 firmly believe tliat the same pro- 
 })ensity ^vas always inherent in me ; but, strange to 
 tell, although many were j)aid extravagantly, I never 
 bad the advantage of a master to guide and encourage 
 me. But it is now too late to repine. I rejoice that 
 my neplievvs are more fortuuute. 
 
MIH ISAAC DKOCK. 
 
 80 
 
 TIm! pri'sidiMit's uddn^sis is sijttit;ionily lioPtilr, and if 
 I tln)ii<j;lif. liut he. woidd he siinportcd to the extent 
 ul' his wish.js, I should con ider war to he incvitahle. 
 Congress will liesitato hetore consoritin«:j to ^*) the 
 length ho propose"*. 1 he takinfj; foreihle possession of 
 West Florida ni:iy provoke a war sooner than any 
 otlier ao't, hut it is iinpo'ssihlu to foresee liow such a 
 step may he viewed hy the Corlcs. We are at this 
 moment in awful suspense — the king's illness, the 
 proximity of the armies iiiid<:r Massena and Welling- 
 ton, and the measures our {government may deem pro- 
 per to adopt to meet the hostile proceedings of the 
 Americans, alford serious njatfer for contemplation. 
 
 1 have seen " Thoughts tm Political ranaticism," 
 in answ<!r 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 mend)er of the Junta of 
 Valencijj, you hy no means satisty my curiosity. Is 
 he equal to fill the situation ? Has he discretion, 
 and is he distinguislicd hy a strong mind and un- 
 daunted courage, as these are (pialities that can alone 
 be serviceable at sucli a crisis ? I observed his 
 name some little time hack in the public prints, 
 without knowing who lie could be, and I suppose 
 that he is my junior in age by several years.* 
 
 Colonel Kempt + ( Quartermaster - General ) to Brigadier 
 
 JJronh. 
 
 QuEiiEC, January 17, 1811. 
 
 Baynes tells me that he has written to you repeat- 
 edly, and HU)st fully and confidentially, on the 
 
 * Peter (^arty Tupper, Ksii., a nativH' of (iucrnsoy, Uritisli consul fur 
 Valoiicirf at t>ii.s tiim;, niul afti-rwanls tor Catalonia. Hn (listitisfuislied 
 liiinselt from imw to IKll, in <Micouraji:iiiff Oil' Spaniards to resist the 
 invasion of Napoii-on ; a:i(l his name occurs repeatedly in the Duke vf 
 VVellintfton's dispatcher, recently ijiihlislii-tl, as also in the first and fourth 
 \ohiincs oi Napier's Peninsular Wai . lie died in Madrid, in IHiii), in the 
 prime of life. His yountfcst brother was Uritish consul for C'araccus, and 
 afterwards foi Kigu. 
 
 f Tho prtscnt (ioncral Sir Jaiucs Kempt, (J.L'.U., &c., afterwards 
 
 ; lii 
 
W) 
 
 I.II i; AM> COUHKPPONDUNti: Ol 
 
 siil))('<*t of your applicfiiion for Icuvc. The Iclfors, 
 uli it'll I Ii.'ivn rccH-ivt'd from iioriie, cxplioilly ntiito 
 tiiat tlw last Itrcvcf. ww^ iiiado ho cxtonsivo with the 
 vi(!vv oi' (loiii;^ auay with the; appointment of brij^a- 
 dicr, so that no general ottici.T under the rank of 
 iriajor-f^cneral will he in future employed ; indepen- 
 dent of this (,'ircunislMnce, you have no I'eason, believe 
 nie, to dread bein^ unenjploved in any rank while 
 you have a wish to serve — thi.^ opinion, my dear 
 jreneral, is not given r;isldy or upon slight grounds — 
 before 1 came to this country 1 had, you must know, 
 several op|)ortiinities of heariri"^ your name mentioned 
 at head rjuarters, both by (leneral Calverl and Colo- 
 nel (Jordon, who unquestionably sj)oko the sentiments 
 of the then comniander-in-ehief, and in such a way 
 as to impress me with a thorough convi(^tion that few 
 oflieers 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 
 scr\ ice the nuunent that i/oti do fjet home, and with 
 this view J recommend you to express, through 
 Haynes, your sense of his excellcney's good inten- 
 tions 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 indul- 
 gence will be extended in (he first instance to you. 
 I am very happy to iind that you are pleased with 
 Mrs. Murray : I liavo just rec eived a long; letter 
 from her, giving nie an account of a splendid ball 
 given by you to the heaii wonde of Niagara and its 
 
 grovcrnor- general of Hritish America, anil subsequently master- guncral of 
 the ordnanci' in Eavl Grey's HdmiiiistraliDn. Sir Jauics is one of the 
 most dis^tinf^nistied ottlccrs in tlie British ami) , liavins? hervcd in Holland 
 and KVypt, at, Maida, in Spain, and at Waterlcn . lie lias received tlic 
 Kpyptian Medal, and across and three Clasps for Aluida. Hadajos, Vittoria, 
 Nivellc, Nive, Orthes, and Toulouse. Tlu; i ditor of this nieni": • takes 
 this op!)ortunity of cxpressiri]^ his irraieful rcmenihrance of Sir .lames 
 Kt!mpt's attention and kindness to him diiriiiR' his lieutenant -i^overnorship 
 of Nova Scotia, wlicn he, ^the editor,) a very young man, was in that 
 jiroviriee upwards of rwi'iity yt'ars ago. Ntitlier can he forj^et the very 
 ffratifylnji: manner in u'liieliSirJames spoke of iiis old friend, Sir Isaac Urock, 
 
Kill ISAA( MliOC K. 
 
 91 
 
 1 
 
 ' 
 
 vicrinity, and tlin iiinimor in which sho fjuMiks of your 
 iiitcrullly and hospitulity rnniimls ino of Hio many 
 jiU'.isunt lioiirs I have passcil under \our roof. MV 
 
 / ; 1 1 * • 1 • • • i' 
 
 /Kirr III) aiirli jnutics noii', and the indisposilion ot 
 Sir.Ianics havinj; proventod the usual puhlic day i* at 
 the castle, nothing more stupid than Quthec now iu 
 CUM ho imagined. 
 
 Colonel Bnyncs tn JJrigadicr Brock, at Jort George. 
 
 (^UEUKC, February 14, 1811. 
 
 From the sincere and lively interest which I am 
 sure you fee' for our worthy chiiif, I am liaj)py to 
 annoiinco to you that an inj|)(>rtant change has taken 
 place in his disease, from which his medical atten- 
 dants auunir, with great confidence, most essential 
 and j)erinanent relief. On Snndiy last 1 received a 
 Huramons to immediately attend at the castle, where 
 Kempt was also called, and, to our extreme astonish- 
 ment, he inlbrmed us that he was then about to under- 
 go the operation of tapping, as he fully coincided 
 with his medical attendants who advised it. Sir 
 James (Craig) ))roeeeded with great calmness to give 
 me some instructions as his executor, in the event of 
 any fatal conse(,iieuce following, which he did with 
 a degree of conij-osure, and even cheerfulness, which 
 only a mind like his can assume. We were present, 
 at his retpiest, at ihe operation, which aj)peared to 
 mo painfully tedious — but not an expression, or even 
 a look of impatience, escaped Sir James, whose 
 manner absolutely inspired spirils 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, weigliing 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 liopes were entertained of him. 
 
t)2 
 
 LIFE AND CORRKSPONDENCE OF 
 
 You will conceive what a severe shock tliis lias been, 
 the more 8o as Sir James never iiarhoured a doubt 
 that his elder brother, from his apparently stron<^er 
 constitution, would have long survived him. Their 
 mutual ties of relationship were in a manner concen- 
 trated 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 
 Jong prevailed at Fort George, I assure you that wo 
 miss you much here, and that the fascinating Mrs, do 
 Rottenburg, with all her charms, has not effaced the 
 very universal regret which your loss occasions in 
 Quebec. 
 
 i 
 
 Jiriyadicr Brock to Ids 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 '2(kh of 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 pood of 
 restoring my health. I now consider myself quite 
 re-established ; therefore, my good Irving, dispel all 
 vour alarms on my account. I once thought of 
 visiting Ballstown, but, as a trial of the springs there 
 was ray chief motive, I gave up the journey the 
 moment I found there was no medical occasion to 
 undertake it. I do not admire the maimers of the 
 American people. T have met with some whose 
 society was every thing one could desire ; and at 
 Boston and New York such characters are, 1 believe, 
 numerous, but these are the exceptions. Politics run 
 \ery high at this niomenl, but the French faction 
 
I.'j.'.h'U.. 
 
 SIB ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 O:) 
 
 
 liavo pvidontly the prnpondornnro, on<l tlioy style 
 tlicmsolvos ropuUliciiiis ! Was over any tliiiij; more 
 absurd? A dreadful cnisli is not far oH" — I liope 
 your friends havo \vitlili('ld tlioir confidence in their 
 public stocks. There have been many failures at 
 Ts'ow York, and the merchants there are in a state 
 of great confusion and dismay. 
 
 T returned recently from York, the capital of this 
 province, where I passed ten days with the governor, 
 (Gore) as oeneronr and as honest a being as ever 
 existed. His lady is perfectly well bred and very 
 agreeable. I found ample recompense in their so- 
 ciety 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.* 
 
 T seldom hear from James Brock, who dislikes 
 writing to such a degree, that he liazards 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 trium[)hed completely over 
 the trench faction in the Lower Province. Bv 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 
 necessarv. Sir James has been verv ill, and it is 
 supposed that lie cannot long survive the fierce and 
 
 * At the period alluded to, about the year 1790, Guernsey had compa- 
 ratively little communieation with England, and the chief characteristic 
 of the insular soeicty was its simplicity, the hours being early, and 
 costly cstablisViments being unknown. Vet there was luueh genuine 
 hospitality, as the gentry niaintnined a constant social intercourse with 
 each other, and witli the officers of the garrison, very few other strangers 
 tlien visiting the island. The upper ranks were content with their isola- 
 tion and with this primitive mode of life, and it may well be questioned 
 wliether increased luxury and retiucnieut have added to their happiness. 
 
 :J 
 
 l! 
 
s i 
 
 (!k 
 
 94 
 
 LU'K AND COHKESPONDENCE OF 
 
 frequent attacks of Jiis disorder. His deatli, ^v]lon- 
 ever it comes, will bo bewailed by all wlio possess 
 the feelings of Englishmen in this country. He 
 appears determined to keep me near bis person, and 
 I hardly know how to accomplish my grand object 
 of visiting England in opposition to his wishes. Yon 
 may well imagine the regret I feel in being obliged 
 to submit to such a life of 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 
 niovcments of the contending armies in Portugal. 
 If we are to be governed by a regent, 1 trust that 
 ambition, jealousy, oi* party interests, will not con- 
 spire to diminish or circumscribe his regal powers. 
 These are not times to slacken the reins. 
 
 Colonel Murray, 100th, went homo 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 con- 
 sequence 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; tiie 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 brin<r with them lan'o sums. 
 Assure William of my eternal esteem. 
 
 Brifjadier lirock 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 
 
 i i 
 
 ■ !l 
 

 sin ISAAC UllOCK. 
 
 ()r> 
 
 -I 
 
 to wliioli ii refers has occasionod serious rollcctioii in 
 my mind. If unf(jrtiiii;'tely tlio Indians be dcter- 
 li -d to commit ucls of hostility in tlie sprinji, they 
 a. at too great a distance for us to succeed in any 
 effort we may be dii^posed to make to avert so great 
 a calamity. Therefore, the next consideration is tlie 
 posture Ave are to assume in case of such an event; 
 whether we are to remain in a state of strict neutral- 
 ity, 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 wJiich 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 re- 
 ceiving 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 senti- 
 ment by the lilteral quantity of military stores with 
 which they were dismissed. 
 
 I shall not ftiil in reporting every circumstance that 
 may come to my knowledge relative to our connec- 
 tions with tlio Indians, which I think your excellency 
 may desire to be acquainted with : I must look to 
 officers commanding at the outposts for such infor- 
 
 * Washington Irving, in his " A'^toria," mentions a Sioux Indian being 
 killed by a shot wantonly fired at him by a white man across the banks 
 of the Missouri, here fully tialf a mile broiul, and he obaerves : " In this 
 way outrages are frequently committed on the natives by thoughtless 
 or mischievous wliito men i the Indians retaliate according to a law of 
 their code, which requires blood for blood ; their act, of what with them 
 is pious vengeance, resounds throughout the land, and is represented as 
 wanton and unprovoked , the neighbourhood is roused to arms ; a war 
 ensues, which ends i i the destruction of half the tribe, and their expulsion 
 from their hereditary homes. Such is too often the history of Indian 
 warfare, which in general is traced i() only to some vindictive act of a 
 savage ; while the outrage of the scoi'udrel wiiitc man that provoked it is 
 sunk in silence." 
 
 : ■ 
 
 
 ; 1 
 
 -ri i-.<r ('.5,ViX!? • -^ ^av'.',-* . 
 
 yir:r*: 'trj 
 
96 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 matioh, ns the lieutenant-governor withholds from 
 me all comniunications on the subject. 
 
 Mr. Elliot, who has the mana<];einent of the Indian 
 department at Amherstburg, is an exceedingly good 
 man, and highly respected by tlio Indians ; but, 
 having in his youth lived a great deal with them, he 
 has naturally 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 con- 
 duct. If he had delayed the issue of presents until 
 he reported their mission to Lieut. -Governor Gore, 
 they wotdd have returned to their companions, car- 
 rying with them the positive sentiments of govern- 
 moit. 
 
 Brifja flier Brock to Major Taylor, 100</i Regiment, 
 commanding at Amherstburg. 
 
 Niagara, March 4, 1811. 
 
 You omitted to report to me the important reso- 
 lution which the Indians formally announced last 
 autumn in council to have been adopted by the 
 different nations, of going to Avar with the Americans. 
 Having, however, received advice of the circumstance 
 through other channels, I was enabled to communi- 
 cate the interesting fact to head quarters, and now 
 transcribe, for yoai' indimdual information and future 
 guidance, extracts of his excellency's secret and con- 
 Jidcntlal answer, dated 4th ultimo : 
 
 '' Although the conduct of our intercourse with the Indians 
 is by his miijesty's conirnand vested in the civil government 
 of the province of Canada, and consequently the interference 
 of military officers, otherwise than by beings 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 Iheir 
 knowledge ; these reports you will forward to me occasion- 
 ally, as you may think them of importance." 
 
 { 
 
SlU ISAAC IIHOCK. 
 
 97 
 
 
 The conduct which the military are expected to 
 pursue in tlieir intercourse with the Indian depart- 
 ment is so explicitly stated in the above, that I need 
 not say a word moro. on the subject. But I think 
 it hiijfhly 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. 
 
 " 1 om decicletlly of opinion, that upon everj' principle of 
 policy our interest should lead us to use all our endeavours to 
 prevent a rupture beiween the Indians and the subjects of 
 tlie IJnitfc'd States. Upon these considerations, 1 think ii 
 would be expedient to instruct the officers of the Indian de- 
 partment to use all their influence • 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, howover. should be extremely cautious in 
 pointing out to them that it is for their own good only tliat 
 this advice is given to tliem, and not from any dereliction 
 of that regard with which wc always vi(3W tlieir interests; it 
 will perhaps require some inanapement 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 j because 
 although I entertain great respect for the personal 
 character of Mr. E'Molt, yet 1 should be unwilling to 
 place entire dependancc, in an affair of such manifest 
 importance, upon a judgment biassed and prejudiced, 
 as his is known to be, in every thing that regards the 
 Indians. To act with duo prtidence, he participates 
 in and feels too keenly the grievous wrongs thr v 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 
 
 F 
 
 Hi 
 
 i ( 
 
98 
 
 LIFE A>D COHflKSPONBRNCE OF 
 
 do as coming: from youiself, and you will be very 
 rerrular in reporiirig- circanistantiajly every occur- 
 rence that may come to your knowledge, to enable 
 me to conform strictly with the instructions of the 
 commander-in-chief. 
 
 Colonel Jiaijnes* to Jirirjiiilier lirock, at Fort George. 
 
 (Quebec, March 4, 1811. 
 
 Sir Jan^es desires me to tell you that he had fully 
 intended writinnr to you himself by this day's post, 
 but, from the arrival of the Januarv mail and the 
 departure of the Halifax courier to-morrow, he finds 
 himfec'lf so mucli occupied that he has deputed me to 
 explain to you the cause of his not announcing to 
 you by his own pen the resohition he finds himself 
 under the necessity of adopting, of returning to 
 England earlv in the summer. T think it probable 
 tliaf. he will leave this bv the Julv 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 
 deepe«^t i egret 1 observe that his strength is visibly 
 sinking under bis disease, although the latter has not 
 increased in violence ; on the contrary, for this fort- 
 night past he seems in better spirits and to suffer less 
 pain : the first probably arises from the prospect of 
 his bemg spoedily relieved fronj the weight and anxi- 
 ety of his public charge, for with regard to himself, 
 his mind is most perfectly made up, and resigned to 
 a very -peedy termination of all his sutferings ; and 
 
 * Owiiif? to the t-ommunication by post between Lower and Upper 
 Canada boiiip; so slow til this periixl, we observe that many of Colonel 
 Baynes' letters to Bny;adier Brock, at Fort (Jeorge, were transmitted 
 tl.ron£;li tti(' United States, There was only a post once a fortnight 
 hetw een Montreal and Kaig-ston, and in Upper t^anada the post office was 
 scarcely established. The military returns were sent from the Upper 
 Province to Quebec once or twice in the winter of 1806-7, by an Indian 
 hired tor Die purpose ; and in the same winter the mail from England 
 for Canada was lost by the upsetting of the canoe in wliich aa ludiau 
 was conveying it. 
 
 i 
 
 !#• 
 
i 
 
 I 
 
 ; 
 
 f 
 I 
 
 8IR ISAAC BRO( K. 
 
 1)51 
 
 his anxiety has hcen latterly much excited from the 
 apprelionsion of liis bccominn- too ill to be able to 
 undertake the voyage, and Iteiii^ obliged to linger 
 out the short remiuint of his life in this country. 
 
 I assure you he is very tar 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, ho feels it the more indis- 
 pensably necessary to leave this country in the best 
 state of security he can, and that, under existing 
 circumstances, lie cannot attend to your request for 
 leave. He desires mo to say, that he regrets ex- 
 tremely the disajjpointment yoji may expericnte; and 
 he requests tliat you will do him the favor to accept, 
 as a legacy and mark iA' his verv sincere regard, his 
 favorite horse, A.lfred; and that he is induced to send 
 him to vou, not only from wishing to secure to his 
 old iavorit<' a kind and carefid master, but from the 
 conviction that tlic wliole 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 con- 
 sidered as still perfectly fresh. Sir James will give 
 him up to Heriot, whenever you fix the mode of his 
 being forwarded to you. 
 
 T have requested Sir James to allow me to accom- 
 pany him home, a duty I should feel a most grateful 
 pleasure in performing; but with a kind regard to 
 wdiat he thinks more to my interest, he will not ac- 
 cede to my wishes, but insists on my remaining here, 
 as he thinks that my appointment will be considered 
 permanent. Kempt goes home, Ins private affairs 
 requiring his presence, and liaving strong ground to 
 hope that he will be able to resign Ins 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 "svill have seen by Sir James' speech, the very 
 conjplete triumph his firmness and energy have ob- 
 
 ; ih 
 
 
m> 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 %i 
 
 tainetl over the factious cabal of tlieir most contemp- 
 tible assembly. Hedard will be shortly released — 
 that fellow alone of the whole {?ang has nerve, and 
 does not want ability or inclination to do mischief 
 whenever opportunity otFers ; the rest, old Papineau 
 and the blustering B , are all white-livered runa- 
 gates to a man ; but when Sir James' back is turned, 
 tliev will rally and commence the same bullving 
 attack on his successor, who, I trust, will tbllow his 
 example.* 
 
 Colonel J, A. Vcsey to Brigadier Brock, 
 IIamptox 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 Ijord 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 armv likewise. 
 
 J. thank vou 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 1 am cer- 
 tainly not partial to that country — quite the revtriJe. 
 Tt is a pity that the 49lh 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 
 
 * Part of tljf discontent of the French Canadians at this period arose 
 from the Constitutional Act of 1791, wliieh diviiled tlie two provinces, and 
 jjave to tach a local legislature, consistinic of an elective asstembly, and a 
 council of niembeiH appointed by the crown for life. These two bodies 
 never hiirmonized, as the latter was eonipt)sed of a;i exclusive class, 
 consistinp of othce holders and a few wealthy merchants and land-holders ; 
 and the assembly, naturally enough, complained that nearly every mea- 
 sun., whicli it originatfd, was rejected by tlic legislative council. Thus 
 the di.safl'eciioii of the people was not entirely of a national character, or 
 it was not -idlely a French and Knglish quarrel , and no government will 
 satisfy tliat lace which has not a just share in its administration and 
 councils. And now. nothwithstanding the continued antagonism of the 
 two races, botli appear to unite in demanding responsible government 
 not in form, but in substance; and Sir James Craig would indeed be 
 astonished if he could arise from his grave, and witness the present 
 relative pobJtiou.s of the governor- general and the house of assembly. 
 
 1^^ 
 
 ■\ 5 
 
 
am ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 101 
 
 
 of my friei.d Murray and liis nice little wife to your 
 society. Pray remciiiher mo kindly to thorn and to 
 my oil ricrui St. (.«eorq;o. Mrs. Vosey lias charged 
 mo to (mL her to your recollection in the kindest 
 manner ; slie and my six children arc as well as 
 possible, and u very nice little jTroup they are, all 
 ijs liealthv as can be. I -wish I had a dauditer old 
 enough for you, as 1 would give her to you with 
 pleasure. You should be nuuried, particularly as 
 fate seems to detain you so long in Canada — but 
 pray do not marry there. 
 
 Colonel Vcsey to Br'ujadicr Brock. 
 Hampton Coubt Park, May 0, 1811. 
 
 I received a few days ago your letter of the 22d 
 February, for which 1 thank you very much. I atn 
 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 1, so long 
 as Lord Liverpool coniinnes to direct the affairs of 
 the colonial department, for he is not friendly to me ; 
 but I will reserve mv claims for a more favorable 
 moment, I am not the les« thankful for your friend- 
 ship on the occasion. 
 
 I quite feel for you, my good friend, whe.i I think 
 of the stupid and uninteresting time you must have 
 passed in Upper Canada — with your ardour for pro- 
 fessional employment in the field, it mrsl; have been 
 very painful. I did not think Sir Jimes (Craig) 
 would liave 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 liow I shall hail the event with joy. 
 
 'i".lf 
 
 I 
 
 . :i) I 
 
 If 
 
 1' 
 
 1 1' 
 
 
 ! 
 
 t •*■ 
 
 • 'i 
 
 !' 
 
 . i.lttSfa(UMMf»iril'. J^MWW-tt ^.Vt^tMf.Vi^. ' U: >,UV< •l^la- 
 
 ^•»*«* ^ymyfV-iF 
 
 •rv'^tfwMi-r.i' 
 
1()2 
 
 r.IFK AND COttUESPOXnENCE OF 
 
 If you come to England, I would wish you to call 
 upon the Duke of Kent, ■ who has a hit,'!! 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 liave 
 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 re|:jretted, 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. 
 
 * The father of her present majesty, Qiieon Victoria.— The (pieen visited 
 Guernsey on the 24th August, 1840, and was received by the luhabitaiits 
 with the most entliusiastic demonstrations f)f affection, loyalty, and gra- 
 titude. Her majesty is the first British sovereign, since the days of King 
 John, who has landed in (iucrubey, whicli ia the reign of Edward the 
 .Second, and long subsuquenUy, was termed " The Holy Isle." 
 
 I 
 
 .* 
 
 '^:- 
 
 # 
 
iSlR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 10:5 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 On tha 4tli of June, IBll, Brigadier Ikock wns 
 promoted, and up|)ointcd by tlio prince rcf^ont to 
 serve from tliut dav ua a iiiajor-gpneral on flie Htaffoi" 
 North America. On tlie li)tli of the same month, 
 Sir JaniesCraijj eml)arked on board IT. M.S. Amelia 
 for England, leaving Mr, Dunn in charge of the go- 
 vernment of the Lower Province, and Lieut. -General 
 Drumniond* in couiuiand of the forces in the Cana- 
 das, consisting of 44?") artillery, 3,783 regula • troops, 
 and 1,220 Fencil-les ; in all, 5,454 men. IL seemed 
 disgusted witli the cares of a government, in which 
 he liad experienced only crosses and mortification, as 
 his administration was decidedly unpopular among 
 the great mass of the French Canadians. His liealth 
 had long been wasting away with a dropsy and other 
 infirmities; and he doubted whether he should live to 
 reach England, wliere he however survived several 
 months, and met with a most gracious reception from 
 his in mediate superiors. Sir James Craig had been 
 from Iiis youth in the service of his countrv, and he 
 owed to merit alone his rank and consideration \n 
 
 'tU 
 
 f 
 
 ,5; 
 
 ^n 
 
 5 •) 
 
 * The presi-nt (i<'nor&i Sir Gordon Orunimond, O. C. li., colonel of the 
 »9th (not. He sui^eeiled to the command ot the forces in Upper Canada 
 in Di.'eember, iHi:i i.itiut.-Goucral Driimmond was one step higher in 
 rank than Major.(;eiieitil Uroek, alvhough he entered the army four years 
 and a half altei him , and as a proof of the tfross favouritism and int.fiuality 
 which |>rev'ailed in the Uritisli army rluring the last century, we frive the 
 dates of General Orununoi\d's commissions - viz. ensign, September 21, 
 1789:. lieutenant, March si, I7pl , captain, January, 1/92;, major, Fcbrn- 
 ary 28, 1794; lieut. -colonel, April 22, 1794; colonel, January 1, 179*^; 
 major- general, January i, !8i(.i; lieut. -g-cneral, June -1, 1811 --a general 
 officer in little more tlinn tifteon year)j ' 
 
 1 11 
 
 ;;■ til 
 
 A. 
 
104 
 
 LIFE AND CORRRSPONDRNCE OP 
 
 tlio ariiiv.* lie was corpulent in person, nml ratlior 
 below tlie middle istuture ; in society lie was frank 
 and aflUblo. To a clear and crunprelienijive jtidii^nieni, 
 lie united the best (|ualiti('s of the iicitrt ; and fhou|j;li 
 haslv in temper, a faidt arising much from disease 
 and snlferini^, he was caMiiy reconciled to those wlio 
 luifiiit involuniarily liiive iiiciirred his resentment. 
 Altiioufrli niiuiy diH'crtMJ widely in opinion with respect 
 to his 'Government, yet few could deny him the merit 
 of disinlerestednesi and int(';,'rity in the diseliartije 
 of his public duties. He may have erred in the 
 performance of the important and complicated func- 
 tions of his post, but lie was guided by sincerity ; and 
 it is due to his uiemory to add, that the objects of 
 his administration, however erroneous the means he 
 pursued for their attainment, were the concord, the 
 liappiness, and the prosperity of tlie people whom he 
 {governed for nearly four years.f 
 
 Major'Gencral Vcsey to Major-Gtmcral Jirocft. 
 
 Portsmouth, June 10, 1811. 
 
 T confrralulate you on your promotion, and you 
 may return me the compliment. I did not expect 
 to a[ipear in the same brevet with you as a major- 
 general ; X it has so happened, however, and I am 
 
 « Sir .Iiinics C'rais: rommHiided from :» to 4,000 British troops, who, with 
 about J.iiou Russians, were sent at the close of IS05 to Naples for the 
 protection ol the tlicn infamous Neapolitan government ; l)iit on the 
 advana; of the French, tlie Russians proceeded to Corfu and the British 
 to Messina, wliero Lieut, -General C'raig retired from ill health, and was 
 succf-eded in the command by Sir John Stuart, who a few months after 
 pained the battle of Muida, 4tli July, iHoO. Major-ticneral Craig was also 
 second in command of the land forces at the capture of the Cape of Good 
 Hope, in I'yi. 
 
 t Memoirs of the Administration of the C ilonial Government of T,ower 
 Canada, by Sir James Henry Craig and Sir George Prevost, from tlie year 
 1807 until the year 1815; comprehending the Military and Naval opera- 
 tions in the Canadas during the late War with, the United States of 
 America. By R. Christie, Quebec, 1818. 
 
 t Tlie colonels of October 30, 1805, to all the colonels of 1808, were 
 made major-generals on the same day, June -l, 1811, and Colonel Vesey 
 was 79 on tiie list helo-w Colonel Brock. This strikes us as very whoksaio 
 promotion, and as unjust to the senior colonels 
 
 
Nllt ISAAC ilRUCK. 
 
 laj 
 
 
 nof at nil sovrv to po out to Sicily as mnjor-;:jencrfil 
 insr<a(l of ft brigadier. Voii liavr ^tnU a lot ot 
 generals in Canuilii at presont, that it is ini)M><sibIo 
 to contitme tlj<'ni all ujion the stutV. Your wi^li will 
 l>e to come home, I dam say, and very \ihii\ I should 
 ho if you were in Kn^iland ;it |)r('«*ctjt, MJiile all the 
 nrraiiLjcinrnts are niukin^^ It may perhaps he your 
 fate to <jo to th<^ Modilerrauea/i, hut the Peninsula i;* 
 the most direet road to the honor of the Hath, and 
 as you are an ambitious man, that is the station yon 
 wt>uhl prefer — so slionld i, but I have been advised 
 not to solicit for it, but to '^o where T was ordereil ; 
 therefore, am I ]iroceedin<^. I Jieed not say how 
 rejoiced I should be if you were of the party. 
 
 The return of the Duke of York to the hei>d of the 
 army <;ives ixenend satisfaction to all military people, 
 and indeed to most others, 1 fancy : his old worn-out 
 predecessor has lon^if been superantiuated. 1 still re- 
 tain my aj)pointment of deputy barrack master-general 
 in Nova Scotia, to the astonishmct of every bodv, 
 because I suppose they do not like to fake it fioin 
 mc par fonu\ without giving; mo sometliin<^ in lieu 
 of it. 1 have told the treasurv that T would not jiive 
 it up upon any other terms than for my lieutenant- 
 colonelcy, but that they had the power of taking it 
 from me if thev chose to do me that injustice: J 
 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 Bruveres ; 
 bid him read it, and forward it if you are yet in that 
 country.* 
 
 * Major. General Vesey died iji Sicilv, December '>, ISI) . 
 
 =■1 
 
 I 
 
 , . '\ij'A^,:-:---v^rm}:^i 
 
 •' ^^.iXiWiiay '->:/j.-.*':tf»i!»i. •>^^,)<-t^,.ts. ''■b.. 
 
 ; '.'i.,'j..T-:i A-u:- 
 
1 
 
 10() 
 
 LIFE ANT) CORRFSPONDKNCE OF 
 
 Colonel Jiaynp.s to Major-Gennral Brock, at Montreal. 
 
 QuEBKr, August 3, 1811. 
 
 We wt re very much surprised on Thursday last 
 by the arrival of the Racoon, sloop of war, from 
 Jamaica, with the Duke of Manchester* on board, 
 viho is come ^vith 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 tlie general desires me to 
 let you know that his grace intends leaving this in 
 the staixe on Tuesdav morning for Montreal. The 
 duke has no attendant except a Colonel Gold, ci- 
 det'ont railitmre ; he appears to be very affable, and 
 perfectly san.'^ fa<;on ; he ])articularly requested that 
 no compliments or ceremony of any kind might be 
 shown him, and that ho might be permitted to indulge 
 his fancy by going about as hi; pleased. His grace 
 is not likely to have many volunteer aides-de-camp, 
 for he treated those who formed his suite vesterdav to 
 a walk of half a dozen hours in the sun at raid-day 
 round the works, the towers, plains, &c. ; and from 
 which he did not appear to experience the slightest 
 inconvenience, being in the habir, we are told, of 
 Takintr similar rambles even in the West Indies. The 
 duke will pay you but a very short visit, being limit- 
 ed for time, and anxious to nuike his tour as extensive 
 as possible. He sr ?ns to like a glass of Madeira, 
 and would mutch any of the Canadian tribe in smok- 
 ins: cijrars ; 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 Cana- 
 dian 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 move- 
 ment of the troops may very materialh' interfere with 
 him, but the duke will not object to embarking with 
 an} of the detachments if no other vessel can bo 
 spared. 
 
 * The governor of Jamaica. 
 
 I 
 
 « 
 
;'*'■; -V,i.,(i^,'.i\'"«i^^iW.:;'-A'V.i'? .-IV 
 
 SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 107 
 
 Colonel Bnyms to Major- General Brock, at WiUimn 
 Henri/, Sard. 
 
 Quebec, August 12, 1811. 
 
 I bave to acknowledge and thank you for your 
 letter of the 8th instant. I regret much thut you did 
 not find it convenient to remain at Montreal to re- 
 ceive 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 i'v 
 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 — jierhaps a little too much the contrary, and I 
 am confident that a dinner with a few gentlemen, and 
 an invitation to snoke, would suit bis taste in prefer- 
 ence to a formal iete. On ai> excursion to the Chau- 
 diere, of which Mrs. Drummond and other ladies 
 formed part, his grace appealed to be very little ar 
 his ease until he eifected his escape out of the frigate's 
 barge into one of the small boats that was in attend- 
 ance with his compcu/no?). dc vvyage and the com- 
 mander of the sloop, when, with tlie aid of his favorite 
 cigar, he appeared 'o be j)erfectl\ happy. I mention 
 these traits in order that you may be prepared to re- 
 ceive him or not on his return, as vou think best. I 
 am sure he would ]irefer William Henry to sleep at 
 in preference to Montreal. 
 
 It 
 
 iN 
 
 i 
 
 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. His military 
 character then stood high, as he had distinguished 
 himself at the conquest of the island of St. Lucie, in 
 1803, and of the island of Martinique, in 1809; as 
 
 ;i \ 
 
 y 'jJ.4i.',-.».'*-t-',iL' t.l>*?,'>U' ^irA j^litki.^:'1iiV.\:J4W>»t-f.*-. 'iL^'TfllA.i'** 1 '.k.-.»iiU *A(j.' 
 
108 
 
 L/FE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 also in successfully opposing, with a small garrison, 
 tlie attack made in lS05by a nunie^rous French force, 
 upon the i.-land of Dominica, of which he Avas lieu- 
 tenant-governor ; but his active service had been 
 confined entirely to the West Indies, not a field suffi- 
 ciently important to test the capabilities of a general- 
 in-chief at a critical and momentous period : and he 
 had been chiefly employed on the staff, having com- 
 manded a regiment only for a few months, a battaliort 
 of the 0(>th, composed at that time of foreigners. The 
 known mildness of liis disposition, and the popularity 
 of his administration in Nova Scotia, from which he 
 had just been 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. Hir George Prevost was* 
 moreover, neither by birth nor parentage an English- 
 man, an advantage to him in ruling a country wrested 
 scarcely fifty years from France ; and, as his name 
 indicates, his family was doubtless of French origin* 
 a circumstance which the French Canadians could 
 not fail to appreciate,* The inhabitants at this time 
 were divided into two parties, termed the English 
 and the Canadian, who viewed each other with consi- 
 derable hostility; and as Sir James Craig had sided 
 with the former, the latter hailed tlie appearance of 
 his successor with evident gratification. Soon after 
 Sir George Prevust's arrival, Major-General Brock, 
 in addition to the command of the troops, was ip- 
 pointod president and administrator of the govern- 
 ment in Upper Canada, being the sixth in succession 
 of its rulers, to which offi(!e he succeeded on the 9th 
 of October, 1811, in place of Lieut.-Cxovernor Gore, 
 w ho rciurnod to England on leave. At the close of the 
 year, his royal 1 ighness the Duke of York expressed 
 
 * Sir (Tenrfri- Prevost was born at New \ork, May 19, 176" — his father, 
 a native of (ieaeva, ^tttltrl in Eiiglaml, and beoaino a inajor-gencral in 
 the Britisl! army— his mother was a rinutrhtrr of M. Grand, of I^ausanne. 
 Sir G Prevust was created a haronct m 1805, for his services iu the West 
 ]ndie!). 
 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 100 
 
 at lenjith everv 
 Brock's wishes 
 rojje, and Sir 
 replace him by 
 mission reached 
 the United Stat 
 Major-General 
 retained both hy 
 
 inclination to gratify Major-General 
 
 for more active employment in Eu- 
 
 George Prevost was authorized to 
 
 another officer ; but when the per- 
 
 Canada, early in ]812, a war with 
 es, was evidently near at hand, and 
 Brock, with such a prospect, was 
 
 honor and inclination in the country. 
 
 Colonel Bay tics to Major-General Brock. 
 
 Quebec, October 7, 1811. 
 
 I have a letter from Thornton of the 2d of Aurust : 
 the parly 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 
 lias 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 pro- 
 bability of its affecting his present post, as he says 
 Kempt writes to you at length, and will tell you of 
 himself. Ellicc* has found great difficulty in effect- 
 ing 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 step- 
 ping stone for the brevet rank. He in consequence 
 declined it, and Ellice is on the hunt for a lazy mar- 
 ried 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 Por- 
 tugal and the first in the East Indies, but, by a recent 
 
 * Lieutenant-Colonel Ellice, deputy adjutaut-geDeral in Canada. 
 
 '■«"■■' ■•'«..*^^.'& kiii'i 
 
'^ 
 
 no 
 
 hlFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 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 ex- 
 pects sliortly 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 staif in Canada, I am almost certain they 
 would succeed. 
 
 In June, 1811, a firm in London, in a rather exten- 
 sive business as bankers and general merchants, and 
 of which Mr. William Brock was the senior partner, 
 
 failed. The previous senior partner, Mr. P d, 
 
 who was lord mayor of the city, had a few years 
 before retired with a verv large fortune. Mr. Brock 
 had advanced his brother Isaac about ^3,000 for the 
 purchase of his commissions in the 49tli regiment, 
 but, having no children and being at the time in 
 affluence, he never intended to exact the payment, 
 although the money was charged in the books. To 
 Major-General Brock, who was not aware of his 
 name appearing as a debtor to the firm, the intelli- 
 gence of the failure came like a thunderbolt, not so 
 much for the difficulties in which it involved him, as 
 for the distress to which it reduced his favorite bro- 
 ther. But he happily never knew that his brother- 
 in-law, Mr. Tupper, who had then eleven children 
 living, lost eventually between 12 and .£13,000 by 
 the failure. His brother Savery was also a sufferer, 
 and the bankruptcy caused a coolness between Wil- 
 
 I 
 
.l».,4'.i;I».ifcJ.i<J.>'« «*«'..■ il'.i.Hfr.4Ulli:tV.'^'l.il,>JuSa..^lil'Jl4*r«./..JL, 
 
 <i 
 
 SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 Ill 
 
 liam Brock and Ills brother Irving;, who was con- 
 nected with the firm, and to which their brother 
 Isaac alludes in some of his subsequent correspond- 
 ence, when he entreats of them to be united. Tlie 
 two following letters strike us as highly creditable to 
 Major-General Brock, proving as they do his excel- 
 lence of heart, integrity of purpose, and depth of 
 fraternal feeling ; and we have only to add, that the 
 assignees cheerfully accepted his offer of the salary 
 to which his civil situation entitled him as the means 
 of liquidating his debt to the estate. 
 
 9 
 
 Major-General Brock to his brother Savery. 
 
 York, October 7, 1811. 
 
 I have this instant finished a letter to Irving. I 
 attempted to write composedly, biit found it impos- 
 sible. The newspapers gave me the first intimation 
 of the heavv misfortune v/e have all sustained. To 
 this day, I am without a single line from any of the 
 family on the subject. Let me know how William 
 and Sally support the sad change in their affairs. I 
 want to be at once apprized of the full extent of our 
 misery. Why keep me in this horrid suspense? 
 
 I write merely to say, for really my poor head will 
 not allow me to say more, that to-morrow I enter 
 into the official duties of president of this province. 
 The salary attached to the situation is i;l,000, the 
 whole of which, I trust, I shall be able to save, and, 
 after a year or two, even more. 
 
 I go to Niagara next week, and shall again write 
 through the States. 
 
 Yesterday was the first truly gloomy birthday I 
 have ever passed. May you be happy. Glegg is 
 with me, and I expect James Brock very soon. 
 
 I 
 
 
 \:: \ 
 
 > ' \ 
 
 5^ 
 
 .".iL.: .**?j5iBi«4*--i.-«.'*.f,wri»**'a,t ■»'!*■ i 
 
 \t •i.ll.X^l:'B.W^ 
 
112 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 Major- General Brock to his brother Irving. 
 
 York, October 30, 1811. 
 
 My dear friend, — I have at length heard from 
 3'ou. Your letter of the 3d August was only received 
 this day. To what a state of misery are we fallen — 
 poverty 1 was prepared to bear — but, oh! Irving, 
 if you love me, do not by any action or word add to 
 the sorrows of poor, unfortunate, Wilh'am. Remem- 
 ber his kindness to me — what pleasure he always 
 found in doing me service. Hang the world, it is 
 not worth a thought — bo generous, and find silent 
 comfort in being so. Oh ! my dear boy, forget the 
 past, and lot us all unite in soothing the griefs of one 
 cf the best hearts that Heaven ever formed. I can 
 well conceive that the causes of his ruin were excited, 
 by too ardent a wish to place us all in affluence — 
 his wealth we were sure to divide — why refuse him 
 consolation? — it is all, alas! I can offer. I shall 
 write to him the instant I feel sufficiently composed. 
 Could tears restore him, he would soon be happy — 
 everv atom ol' resolution leaves me at the moment I 
 require it most. I sleep little, but am constrained to 
 assume a smiling face during the day : my thoughts 
 are fixed upon you all, and the last thing that gives 
 me any concern is the call which Savery prepares me 
 to expect from the creditors. I did noi think that I 
 appeared in the books — the mistake was wholly 
 mine. Let me know the sum. Are mv commissions 
 safe, or must they be sold ? Can I not retain out of 
 the wreck mv two or three hundred a year? thev 
 would save us all from want, and we might retire to 
 some corner, and be still happy. You know the 
 situation to which I am lately raised. It will enable 
 me to give up the whole of my salary, ^1,000 yearly, 
 and I shall enclose a power of attorney to enable you 
 to receive it — do with it what justice demands — 
 pay as fast as you receive, unless indeed want among 
 any of you calls for aid ; in that case make use of the 
 
SIK ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 113 
 
 moiie}', and let the worst come. I leave every thing 
 to your sober discretion. 
 
 I wrote thus far last evening:, and I shall now 
 endeavour to proceed with less agitation. If you 
 possibly can satisfy my creditors, do so — it is a pity 
 Savery did not write to say what he was able to 
 effect on tlie subject. I have been at i>%0 or c£4(K) 
 expense in outfits, which I fear will prevent my 
 remitting any thing home this year, but the next I 
 hope to spare to that amount. Depend upon my 
 exercising the utmost economy ; but I am in a situa- 
 tion which must be upheld by a certain outlay. Did 
 it depend upon myself, how willingly would I live 
 upon bread and water. Governor Gore is gone 
 home with a year's leave, I think it probable he 
 will not be required to return so long as the war 
 continues. I ought not, however, to look to retain 
 my situation above two years. 1 shall make all I 
 can of it by every fair means, for be satisfied that 
 even your stern honesty shall have no just cause to 
 censure any one of my actions. But I cannot loolt 
 to much popularity in the homely way I am con- 
 strained to proceed in the administration : much 
 shew and feasting are indispensable to attract the 
 multitude, especially in a colony like this, where 
 equality prevails to such a degree that men judge of 
 your disposition, of your frankness, by the frequency 
 of the invitations they receive. At present, all 
 classes profess great regard and esteem for rae ; but 
 although I hope they may, I cannot expect such 
 sentiments will continue long. If I retain the consi- 
 derate and tho' ^htful, I shall be satisfied, and I shall 
 strive to merit the good opinion of such men. 
 
 Henceforth I shall address you without reference 
 to the past ; we must only consider how to get on 
 for the future. You have read much, and I trust 
 Avill profit by the lessons philosophers inculcate. 
 Exert, my honest fellow, every power of your mind, 
 but never exclude prudence from any of your actions. 
 Believe me vours till doomsdav. 
 
 I. 
 
 •>j 
 
 .r 1 
 
 n! 
 
 ! ; 
 
11/ ^ 
 
 114 LIFE AND CORnESPONDENCE OF 
 
 lyilllam Brock, Esq , to Major-Gencral Brock. 
 
 SxAMroRi) Hill, October 31, 1811, 
 
 You have received, or will receive shortly, a 
 letter from our assignees, desiring to be iiiformud in 
 what manner the debt, which appears in our books 
 as owing by you, is to be liquidated. Too well do I 
 know, my dearest Isaac, your inability to pay it of 
 vonrself ; it now amounts to something above .£J3,000. 
 The assignees will not, 1 believe, take any unpleasant 
 steps to enforce the payment, yet it will be natural 
 that they exact some sort of security from you. 
 Some reports had, but v^vy erroneously, been circu- 
 lated that they had already commenced legal steps 
 against you ; and upon this report a young gentleman 
 lately arrived from Cauadf*, a Mr. EUice,* called on 
 Charles Bell to inquire if it were so, and told Bell 
 that rather than any thing unpleasant should happen 
 to you, he would contrive to pay the debt himself, so 
 great was his esteem and friendship for you. I of 
 course told Bell that the report was without founda- 
 tion. This trait of friendship on this gentleman's 
 part very much tended to reconcile me to my unfor- 
 tunate situation, for besides his attachment to you, 
 he assured Bell you were so beloved in Canaila, that 
 you would not want friends who would feel pleasure 
 to assist you to any amount, if necessary. Let me 
 conjure you, my dearest Isaac, not to refuse the oifer 
 oi svch friends, as you feel you would yourself oblige 
 
 * The present Right Honorable Edward EUice, M. P. On thn editor 
 in(iuiring by letter of Mr. E, whether he were not the generous individual 
 alluded to, he replied as ftjllows • " Mr. E, has a very vivid recollection 
 of the happy time he spent while travelling in Canada, in his earliest 
 days, in the society of the late Sir Isaac Brock, to whom he was indebted 
 for the greatest courtesy and kindness, and for whose character and 
 virtues he has always entertained the most sincere* respect and admira- 
 tion, Mr. E. has also some recollection of the incident mentioned in 
 Mr. T.'s letter, but he begs that no reference may be made to it in any 
 future edition of the memoirs." The editor regrets that he cannot, 
 withe ut doing Sir Isaac Urock an injustice, suppress an incident which 
 is so honorable to Mr, E., and he claims his indulgence for not complying 
 with his request. 
 
Pin ISAAC DROCK. 
 
 in a similf 
 
 itunti 
 
 115 
 
 sure you will believe 
 that bad circuin>»tances authorized it, I would have 
 cancelled your debt lontr since. 
 
 I know your love for nie, and s* M ther(3l.jfe gay a 
 little about myself. Savery was in ^^ondon when ihe 
 house stopped, (the 8th June,) and never shall I 
 forget what I owe him for the warmth and interest 
 he has uniformly shewn in this hour of sorrow. 
 After every consideration, it was deemed most advis- 
 able that the house should be declared bankrupt, as 
 the only means of extricating ourselves ; for as an 
 underwriter at Lloyd's there was no coming to any 
 compromise, and the demands upon us would have 
 been endless. At the time we stopped there were 
 .£27,0(X) sterling due to me for premiums of insur- 
 ance, all of which will no doubt be swallowed up by 
 the late seizures in the Baltic ports, and by many of 
 my debtors becoming bankrupts themselves. These 
 Baltic losses, and the house's former losses by bad 
 debts,* may be said to be the cause of our failure, 
 which has been accelerated by the preceding failure 
 
 of our neighbours, Messrs. and of the two 
 
 banks in Guernsey, circumstances which destroyed 
 all confidence, and occasioned what is commonly call- 
 ed a run upon the house. 
 
 I am anxious for your return to England, if it 
 
 were only that vou introduce to Lord Bridge- 
 
 water. At present, I have not the means of keeping 
 him at Oxford — he and William, and the two dear 
 girls, are with us. I expect our brother Tupper next 
 week from Guernsey, and I suppose the two boys 
 will return with him. His eldest son, John, passed 
 this way on his return to Guernsey from Spain. He 
 is grown a very fine young man, a ith a strong judg- 
 ment and an amiable temper. His countenance is 
 pleasing, and in figure he is tall and athletic. 
 
 Do not, I pray you, my dearest Isaac, attribute 
 
 * By the failure of one person shortly before, the house lost nearlv 
 ^£"30,000. 
 
 VA 
 
r I ! 
 
 I t 
 
 no 
 
 LIFE AND rOURESPONDKNCE OP 
 
 niv former silence to any diminution of attection, but 
 to'a depression of spirits, wliicli tliis final catastroplie 
 lias in some nn^usure relieved — a reality of misfor- 
 tune is probably less painful than tlie prccedinjjf 
 anxiety of it. Let us pray that the prospect will 
 aj?ain brighten. In you is all my present pride and 
 future hope. 
 
 November IH, 1811. — Saverv has within the last 
 few days sent me a copy of your wclconio letter of 
 the 19th September from Montreal, and most cheer- 
 ing it is to our drooping spirits. May this find y( u 
 w ell and lieai ly in your new honors at York. Surely, 
 my dearest Isaac will not quit his enviable situation, 
 when he has also a prospect of something more 
 lucrative, for a mere major-general's appointment in 
 Europe. I sent our friend, Charles Bell, an extract 
 of your letter, that he might give it to your generous 
 friend Ellicc, who will rejoice at your promotion. 
 
 Lieut. 'Colonel Torrens to Major General Brock. 
 
 Horse Guards, October 17, 1811. 
 
 t have had the pleasure of receiving your letter of 
 the Oth of July, and I lei^ 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 accom- 
 plishment of the object you have expressed of return- 
 ing to England. 
 
 I have made known your wishes to the comman- 
 der-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 atfairs 
 with the American government. 
 
 Should you wish, however, to quit the Canadian 
 
 
SIR ISAAC UH< tf. 
 
 ir 
 
 staff with u view to serve in Kui.>|i>e, hii yn\ hi - 
 iics.s will not ()l)jeot to your return to this cou. , 
 under the arrui]«,'ement of your heinfr imriifMlifi iy 
 succeeded by another officer." And as Major Ci. ■ ' 
 Sheaffe is on fiie s^pot, iind has strong claims to cui- 
 ployment on the stufl', liis royal highness Mill have no 
 objection to furnish Sir George Prevost with an au- 
 tliority to employ that othcer in your room, provided 
 he has not h>ft Canada. 
 
 I trust this arrangement may bo acceptable to you. 
 An official communication to the eHect of this note 
 will be made to Sir Georije Prevost. 
 
 of 
 3d 
 le 
 
 :irs 
 
 lan 
 
 
 Mujor' General Urork to Sir George Prevost, 
 
 York, October 20, 1811. 
 
 Conceiving that the system, recently established 
 with a view of securing ihe regular and prompt set- 
 tlement of the accompts of the Indian department in 
 this province, is liable to many objections, I beg 
 leave to lay my sentiments on the subject before your 
 excellency. 
 
 Sir James Craig, on the application of Lieut. - 
 Governor Gore, procured the consent of the lords of 
 his majesty's treasury to the appointment of a deputy 
 commissary-general of accompts, for the purpose of 
 bringing up all arrears in the accompts of the India a 
 department. But unless means be likewise taken to 
 ensure an immediate examination of such accompts 
 as accrue, the inconvenience, to which the service lias 
 long been exposed, will remain undiminished. 
 
 All documents, to which reference is to be had, are 
 lodged with the storekeeper-general at La Chine.* 
 
 * La Chine is a villiige on the St. Lawrence, nine miles above Montreal. 
 As the rapids of tiie rivor lu'twccn the two places interrupt the navigation, 
 all stores and poods, intended for the upper country, were then conveyed 
 from Montreal to La Cliine by land, and there put into flat-bottomed 
 boats, called "bateaux," which were rowed up the St. Lawrence, with 
 incredible labour, by Canadian.s. La Chine derives its name from the 
 expeditions of M. de la Salle, which were fitted out at this place for the 
 discovery of a North- West passage to China. 
 
 i 
 
 • I 
 
 ? 
 
 
 M 
 
118 
 
 LIFB AND CORRIiSPONDENCE OF 
 
 i 
 
 i-' 
 
 Mr. Lane, tlio otHcor appointed to invostifjato the 
 ucconipti., lias Lccmi stationed nt Fort (icorgo, and 
 during the year that li<^ haH been t!nipK)yed on this 
 duty, hu liaw proceoded as fast as tlic receipts of tlic 
 acconipfs enabled him ; but lie is frecjnently left idle, 
 and at llic slow rate he has tjone on, it will require 
 three or four years toeotnj)lete tlic voluminous papers 
 remaining for his examination. 
 
 [ therefore deem it my duty to state these facts, 
 and to entreat Aonr excellency to cause the adoption 
 of such measures as will ensure the speedy settlement 
 of the accomntsnow under examination, in order that 
 tliose daily accruing may be examined and audited 
 during the continuance in office of the person under 
 whoso responsibility the cvpcnse is incurred. But 
 this desirable object cannot be attained as long as the 
 deputy storekeepers at the different posts are required 
 to send their accompts to the storekeeper-general at 
 La Chine, preparatory to their examination by the 
 deputy accomptant-genoral at Fort (ieorgo. 
 
 The heavy defalcations, which 1 fear will be found 
 in some of the accompts, argue strongly for a change 
 of system, and nothing cii'ectual will be d(me until a 
 storekeeper-general be established in the Upper Pro- 
 vince, to perform on the spot the duties which are now 
 required from the storekeeper-general at La Chine. 
 
 The same arguments are equally applicable with 
 regard to the secretary of the department, to whom 
 all cash accompts are referred ; but as an assistant- 
 secretary is already on the establishment of this pro- 
 vince, no additional expense will be necessary. 
 
 It will appear evident to your excellency, that 
 should the duties connected with the Upper Province 
 be withdrawn from the storekeeper - general at La 
 Chine, little will remain to be done bv that officer. 
 I therefore presume to suggest his removal to this 
 province ; or should such an arrangement be thought 
 inconvenient, I yenfure to recommend that the deputy 
 assistant commissary -general at Fort George may, 
 
SIR ISAAC DHn( K. 
 
 UJ) 
 
 that 
 r'uice 
 La 
 icer. 
 this 
 uii'ht 
 
 with a rrnponablc nddition to his sirihiry, be iiomlnafcd 
 to cvccufi! th.'it otiicc. This is j)roposc(l solely with 
 a view to ecotioiny, not being awa.o thut the two 
 situiitions can be inconinntible. 
 
 Tlie service would likewise, in my opinion, be 
 creaily promoted, were the presents intended for tlie 
 indiuns in the Ippci' Province tr.insinilled to Fort 
 (jeor'i;o without boinjcj dehiyed, as is customarv, at 
 La Chine, as they couhl be distributed to the iliiierent 
 posts early in the spriiip:, which would be tlie means, 
 I confidentially assert, of saving an enormous expense, 
 yeaily incurred, in |)rovisionin^ nunu'rous bodies of 
 Indiaiis, who t'or weeks tor^othcr await at Arnherstburg 
 and St. Josiph the arrival of the presents. This 
 practice would likewise keep a supply within reach 
 to meet any emerrfency. But at present, for instance, 
 the stores arc nearly exhausted, and such ur»;ent calls 
 may be made as will compel nu; to authorize purcha- 
 ses of articles at a hif(h rate, whilst abundance of the 
 same are unnecessarily detained at La Chine. 
 
 It was proposed l)y Lieut.-Clovernor Gore, and 
 approved by Sir James Craifj, to establish a board 
 of accompts in the Upper Province •iiuilar to that at 
 Quebec. But nothing has as yet been done, nor can 
 I discover its utility under existing circumstances. 
 
 There is another point connected with the military 
 expenditures, to which I re({uest to call your excel- 
 lency's attention. An extraordinary practice has 
 obtained, ever since General Simcoe's administration, 
 of submitting the accompts of the agent of purchases 
 to the executive council of this province, to be audited. 
 This othce of agent of purchases was lately directed 
 by the lords of the treasury to be discontinued as 
 unnecessary, but at the joint representation of Sir 
 James Craig and Lieut. -Governor Gore, the order 
 was annulled. I am, however, led to believe that it 
 was intended that his accompts hereafter should be 
 examined by the deputy accomptant-general, and, 
 like all other military expenditures, audited by a 
 
 Hi 
 
 '• .1 
 
120 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 board of accoiiipts, but no directions have as yet been 
 given on this subject. Mr. M*(fill, the ajjent of pur- 
 chases, has a seat in the executive council, which of 
 course occasions an awkwardness in the raode his 
 accompts are audited. In justice, however, to Mr. 
 M'Gill I must add, that a more upright character 
 cannot be found, nor one lietter fitted for the office. 
 
 \our excellency having recently had an opportu- 
 nity of getting every information respecting the state 
 of this province from Lieut. -Governor Gore, 1 need 
 only add that it remains perfectly tranquil. 
 
 *^|- 
 
 Major- General Brock to Ensign N. Freer, Military Secretary, 
 
 York, November 8, 1811. 
 
 Having referred your letter of the 8th ultimo to 
 the deputy superintendent-general of Indian affairs 
 for explanation on the points alluded to, I have the 
 honor herewith to transmit his answer, which I hope 
 will prove satisfactory to the governor-in-chief. 
 
 The high integrity, the unremitting attention of 
 Mr. Claus to his duty, and the strict regard to 
 economy which Lieut. -Governor Gore coui^tantly 
 bestowed in the expenditure of the public money, 
 convince me that the excess of provisions and rum in 
 the requisition for 1811 was unavoidable. A similar 
 demand has been made for the service of the ensuing 
 year, and I cannot, consistently with my duty, re- 
 commend to his excellency the least diminution. 
 
 I avail myself of this opportunity to enclose an 
 extract from the storekeeper-general's letter to Mr. 
 Claus, by which if appears that the goods, for which 
 application has been made by Lieut. -Governor Gore, 
 and transmitted to England in the usual manner, had 
 not been received at a late dale ; and that unless the 
 goods arrived, the store was in no state to furnish the 
 necessary supply for the ensuing spring. 
 
 I cannot be too urgent with his excellency in 
 requesting that the storekeeper-general may be in- 
 
aiW- 
 
 SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 121 
 
 an 
 
 yir. 
 
 lich 
 )re, 
 I ad 
 Ithe 
 Itlie 
 
 in 
 I in- 
 
 structed to make tlic necessary purcliases in case the 
 articles demanded ior tlio Upper Provinee do not 
 reacli Montreal before the close of the navigation. 
 
 1 need not represent to his excellency the confusion 
 •which a disappointment would be sure to create 
 among the Indians throughout the Province, and the 
 ^reat additional expense which must inevitably be 
 incurred in provisioninf^ the crowds that would assem- 
 ble at each post, awaiting* the arrival of the presents. 
 
 Mttjor- General Brock to Ensign iV. Freer, M'tlitary Secretary. 
 
 York, November 10, l^ill. 
 
 Brigade-Major Evans, upon his arrival here, deli- 
 vered to the receiver -general .£3,<H)0, which he 
 reported to have receis ed from the deputy paymaster- 
 general ;ir Quebec. 
 
 Conceiving that this sum was remitted in part of 
 the .£*i5,0(K.), for which Li* iit. Governor Gore made 
 application on tlie 27th JNIarch last to Sir .faines 
 Craig, anil repeated on the -3()ih of July to Lieut. - 
 General ])rummi.nd. find which his excellency in- 
 tended for the support of the civil es.penditurc of this 
 province, I have directed its dispo&al accordingly. 
 
 The serious inconvenience to which this govern- 
 ment will be reduced by the retention of the remain- 
 ing i^2,000, obliges me to request his excellency the 
 commander of the forces to have the goodness to 
 direct that sum to be forwarded by the tirst safe 
 conveyance. 
 
 Major- General Brock to the Military Secretary. 
 
 York, Xovember 10, 1811. 
 
 Until very lately two oxen were maintained at the 
 public charge, lor the purpose of assistiui^ in clearing 
 the vast quantity ot heavy timber wliich grows close 
 to this garrison, and in Uiaking roads ; besides being 
 usefully employed in other necessary service. 
 
 G 
 
 '. , 
 
 , it'.! 
 
 ^ ii 
 
122 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCK OF 
 
 It appears very evident from tlie trifling progress 
 made bv the military in this essential work for some 
 years past, that the oxen were either kept idle or 
 emph^yed for other purposes, which I believe occa- 
 sioned' their being sold. 
 
 Being anxious to continue the improvements begun 
 by the late General Hunter, I have to request his 
 excellency the commander of the forces will have the 
 goodness to sanction the renewal of an establishment 
 of such evident utility. 
 
 JMajor-Gcncral Jiroch to Colonel Baynes. 
 
 York, November 18, 1811. 
 
 The London Gazette, of the Gr.h August last, hav- 
 ing announced the appointment of Mr. ^^neas Shaw 
 to an ensigncy in the Nova Scotia ^'encibles, and 
 the advanced state of the season precluding the pos- 
 sibility of his joining without incurring an expense 
 which he can ill afi'ord. 1 have presumed to anticipate 
 his excellency's indulgent permission to his remaining 
 here until the opening of the navigation, and to sanc- 
 tion in the meantime his doing duty with the 41st 
 regiment. He is a deserving young man, the son of 
 Major-General Shaw, whose high merit, I feel con- 
 fident, will claim every indulgence from, the com- 
 mander of the forces. 
 
 Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock. 
 
 QuEUEr, November 21, 1811. 
 
 We fortunately received yesterday the last batch of 
 recruits for the 41st rei2;iment, as from the present 
 state of the v^eather 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 }»assage, and have suffered much from 
 dysentary. Four men have died, and several are 
 sick ; but as the former detachment recovered fast 
 
sill ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 123 
 
 wlien lairlod and taken cave of, I doubt nof that tliese 
 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 offi- 
 cers say that about tsvo hundred more were left at 
 the depot, 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 expect- 
 ed, 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 nearlv eiu;ht hours the chasinjx vessel. 
 
 Cxover)ior Gore has revived the formation of the 
 Glcngary 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,* and he expresses himself very anx- 
 ious lo do so. 
 
 :-;'! 
 
 Major- General Brock to JJeiif.- General Sir G. Prevosty 
 Bart., at Quchcc. 
 
 YouK, December 2, 1811. 
 
 The information contained in the message of the 
 president to congress, relative to the existing differ- 
 ences between England and the United States, will 
 justify, I presume to think, the adoption of such pre- 
 cautionary measures as may be necessary to meet all 
 future exigencies. Tender this impression, I beg leave 
 to submit to your excellency such observations as 
 occur to me, to enable you to form a correct judg- 
 ment of the actual state (»f this province. 
 
 The military force which heretofore occupied the 
 frontier posts being so inadequate to their defence, a 
 
 * The present General Sir Roger H. Sheaffe, Bart., colonel of the 3tith 
 regiment, born at Boston, United States, 15th July, 1/03, and entered the 
 British army on the ist May, 1778. 
 
 y 
 
 
 1 : ,> 
 
 f- 
 
 ^ll 
 
1-24 
 
 LIFE AND COiUlESPOXDENCE OF 
 
 rcncrrtl opinion prevailed tbat, In tlie event of hos- 
 tiliiici-, no oppo>ilion svas intended. The late increase 
 of ammunition and every species of stores, the sub- 
 stitution of a stronp: regiment, and the appointment of 
 a military person to administer the government, have 
 tended to infuse other sentiments among the most 
 reflecting part of tlie community. ; and J feel happy 
 in being able to assure your excellency, tliat; during 
 my visit last week at Niagara, I received the most 
 satisfactory professions of a determination on the j)art 
 of the principal inliabi cants to exert every means in 
 tlieir power in the defence of their property and sup- 
 port of the government. They look with confidence 
 to your excellency for such additional aid as mav be 
 necessary, in conjunction with the militia, to repel 
 any hostile attempt against this province. 
 
 I shall ben- leave to refer your excellency to the 
 communications of Lieut. -Governor Gore with Sir 
 James C'valg, for a correct \ie\v of the temper and 
 composition of the militia and Indians. Although 
 perfectly aware of the number of improper characters 
 Avho have obtaineiJ extensive possessions, and whose 
 jirinciples diffuse a spirit of insubordination very ad- 
 verse 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 mis- 
 trust existed ; for, unless the inhabitants give an 
 active and efticient aid, it will be utterly impossible 
 for the very limited number of the military, who are 
 likely to be employed, to preserve tlie province. 
 
 The first point to which I am anxious to call your 
 excellency's attention, is the district of Amherstburg. 
 T consider it the most imp»ortant, and, if su))plied with 
 the moans of commencing active operations, must 
 deter any otfensive attempt on this pro.mce, from 
 Niagara westward. The American government will 
 be compelled to secure their western frontier from the 
 
 1 
 
SIR ISAAC nuocK. 
 
 125 
 
 Inroads of the Indians, and this cannot be efiect(3d 
 without a very considora1)le force. But before we 
 can expect an active co-operation on tlie part of the 
 Indians, the reduction of Detroit and Michilimacki- 
 nac must convince that peopla, who conceive them- 
 selves to liave been sacrificed, in 1794,* to our policy, 
 that we are earnestly engajjed in the war. The In- 
 dians, 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 t of no particular note, although explicitly 
 told not to look for assistance from us, have already 
 commenced the contest. The stand which they 
 continue to make upon the Wabash, against about 
 2,(KX) Americans, including militia and regulars, is a 
 strong proof of the large force which a general combi- 
 nation of the Indians will render necessary to protect 
 so widely extended a frontier. 
 
 The garrisons of Detroit and Michilimackinac do 
 not, I believe, exceed seventy rank and file each ; 
 but the former can easily be reinforced by the militia 
 in the neighbourhood, which, though not numeroui.=;, 
 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 enter])rising, 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 channelH, 
 but not official, they lately repelled an attack of some 
 magnitude. Unless a diversion, such as I have sug- 
 gested, be made, an overwhelming force will probably 
 be directed against this part of the province. The 
 measure will, ho»svever, be attended with a heavy 
 
 I I 
 
 Irom 
 
 will 
 
 the 
 
 * In this year the Indians, in a war with the Americans, were com- 
 pletely beaten near the Miami by General Wayne, and compelled to cede 
 a large tract of their lands. 
 
 t Doubtless, the afterwards celebrated Tecumseh, or his brother. 
 
: t 
 
 MKMWJ^bA^kVatJrVO'Vl' l.ta 
 
 II ^' 
 
 126 
 
 Lll-E AND COUHESrONnEN(.E OF 
 
 expense, especially in the article of provision, for, not 
 only the Indians who take the field, but their faujilies, 
 must be maintained. 
 
 Tlie numeral force of the militia in the vicinity of 
 
 m 
 
 Amherstburp,' 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 augment- 
 ing the garrison of Amherstburg with two hundred 
 rank and file from Fori George and York. Such a 
 measure I consider essentially necessary, were it only 
 calculated to rouse the energy of the militia and In- 
 dians, who are now impressed with a firm belief, that 
 in the event of war tliev are to bo left to their fate. 
 Great pains have been taken to instil this idea into 
 the minds of the Indians, and no stronger argument 
 could be employed than the weak state of the 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 termina es, a large portion of 
 the regulars will be detached to strengthen tlje gar- 
 rison of Detroit. I have prepared Colonel Proctor 
 for such an event, and after weighing the ihaonve- 
 nience to which the service would be exposed if the 
 district were placed under a militia colonel, (an event 
 obvious, unless superseded by a rciiular 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 arrange- 
 ment. The state of the roads will probably stop this 
 projected movement until the end of this month or 
 beginnii'f^ 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 re- 
 ceive your excellency's commands previous to their 
 departure. 
 
 &■ 
 
i 
 
 SIR ISAAC TM'OCK. 
 
 127 
 
 inge- 
 
 this 
 
 Itli or 
 
 'oops 
 
 )d by 
 
 |o re- 
 
 their 
 
 From Amlierstbur^ to Fort Erie, ray chief depciid- 
 ance must rest on a naval force for the protection of ^ 
 that extensive coast ; but, considering tlic 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 Y 
 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 brigt capable of 
 carrying twelve guns, both in perfect readiness for 
 any service. If, consequently the garrison of St. 
 Joseph's is to be maintained, a. id an attack on Michi- 
 limackinac 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 consideiably ; indeed, we liave 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 to be ndded to our 
 means of offence and defence. § It is worthy of re- 
 mark, that the only American national vessel on Lake 
 Ontario, built two years ago, and now lying in Sack- 
 
 * The ship Queen Charlotte, and schooner Hunter. 
 t This brig was the Adams, captured at Detroit. 
 
 X The Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, of January 10, 1846, gives a list of 
 the vessels built by the Americans, in 1845. on Lake Krie and the waters 
 westward to Chicago, with tliiMr description, names, tonnage, and cost, of 
 which the following is an abslraot, viz. n steamers, 4 propellers, 2 brigi., 
 27 schooners, and '2 sloops — together 4S vessels, admeasuring 13,207 tons, 
 and the cost 659,000 dollars. In the event ot hostilities, the Unite 1 States 
 would, we fear, possess the entire maritime supremacy of the Lakes, and 
 especially of the upper ones, on which, previous to the year 1812, the 
 principal employment of a few ?mall vessels w.ls the transport of salt 
 and furs. 
 
 § " The first vessel of force " that tl\e British ever had on Lake Ontario 
 was a schooner of 40 feet keel, with fourteen oars and twelve swivel guns, 
 launched at Oswego, 28th July, 17 ib.—Entick. 
 
 1 ( 
 
 1 ' 
 
128 
 
 MFi: AXD CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 i 
 
 r.'' 
 
 ctt's liarl)our, has remained witlioiit seamen until 
 within the last fortnlglit. when the officers began to 
 enter men as fast as possible. A lieutenant w ith a 
 party came to Buffalo, a tolerably larp:e villaf^e 0|)po- 
 site Fort Erie, and procured several hands, hut, Jiot 
 satisfied, a petty officer was sent to our side to in- 
 veip;le others. The mag:istrates, hearing' of this, sent 
 to apprehend him; but he "seaped with difiiculty. 
 
 The strait between Nia<>"ara and Furt Erie is that 
 which, in all probability, will be chosen by the Ame- 
 ricans for their main body to penetrate with a view to 
 conqtest. All other attacks will be subordinate, or 
 merely made to divert our attention. About three 
 thousand militia could, u])on an emergency, be drawn 
 by us to that lino, and nearly five hundred Indians 
 could also be collected ; therefore, Avith the regulars, 
 no trifling force could hope for success, provided a 
 determined resistance were made ; but I cannot con- 
 ceal 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 
 pi'otractcd resistance upon this frontier will be sure 
 to embarrass the enemy's ])]ans 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 difiiculty which they 
 Avill 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 ob- 
 structing their passage; and I cannot be too urgent 
 in soliciting the means, both as to ginmers and driv- 
 ers, and likewise as to horses, to render this arm com- 
 plete for service. A small body of cavalry would 
 also be absolutely necessary, and I have alreaily offers 
 from many respectable young men, to form themselves 
 into a troop. All they seem to require are swords 
 and pistols, which tlie stores below may probably be 
 able to furnish. 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 129 
 
 The situation of Kiii^iston Is so very important in 
 every military point of view, tliat I cannot be too 
 earnest in drnwiiifr your oxcellency's attention to that 
 quarter. The militia, ^rom the Bay of (Juinti down 
 to Glengary, is tlie r.iost respectable of any in tiie 
 province. Amontr. the otficery, several arc on half 
 pay 0' still retain a sound military spira. Tliose 
 from the Hay of Quinti would be properly stationed 
 at Kingston, but all downwards would naturally de- 
 sire to be emploved to resist auv predatory excursions 
 to which tlieir property would be so much exposed 
 from the opposite shore. IJesides, I have always 
 been of oi)inion that a strong detachment would fol- 
 low the route ot Lord Andierst, and attempt to enter 
 the province by O/wegatchie.* The militia on the 
 whole of that connnunication cannot, therefore, be 
 more usefully employed than in watciiing 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 1 have the honor to enclose, 
 provides for such an emergency, but your excellency 
 will readilv observe, that amonii many wise andsalu- 
 tary provisions, there are but few means of enforcing 
 them. No exertions, however, shall be wanting in 
 my civil capacity to j)lace that body upon a resj)ect- 
 able 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 neces- 
 sary 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. 
 
 * An American fort on the river St. Lawrence, about seventy miles 
 from KinKston, and one luindred and twenty-five miles from Montreal. 
 Oswegatehie, now knowr; as Ogdousliurg-, i.s opposite to tlie Canadian 
 town of Prescott, and tin St. Lawrence here i.s about 1800 yards across. 
 It was in Autrnst, 1760, th;i' (ienoral Amlierst proceeded from Oswego, via 
 Oswegatchie, to attaci< tti<= French army at Montreal, and in September 
 the whole of Canada was surrendered by capitulation to Great Britain. 
 
 i 
 
 ! i 
 
 ; ( 
 
 ! 
 
130 
 
 LIFE AND CORBESPO.NDKNCE OF 
 
 to tlint command, ^o inuch will remain to be done, 
 and siicli liigli expenses to he inourrcd in the quarter- 
 masfer-gcneral's department, that I eannot too ear- 
 nestly request your excellency to select an officer who 
 may he equal to discharge the various duties of that 
 office. A head to the commissariat will be likewise 
 indispensable, 
 
 T have trespassed f,'reHtly on your excellency's 
 time, but I beg to be permitted t.5 entreat your excel- 
 lency to honor me with such advice and counsel as 
 your experience may sujxst'st, and be assured it will 
 ever be my utmost pride to meet your vien's and to 
 merit your approbation. 
 
 Major-Gcneral .Ilrock to Llvut, Gtrnentl Sir G. Prcvost. 
 
 York, December 3, 1811. 
 
 I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
 your excellency's disjiatcli, dated the 11th ultimo, 
 with its enclosures. 
 
 My first care, on my arrival in this province, was 
 to direct m'c officer.-! of the Indian department at 
 Amherstburu: to exert their whole influence with the 
 Indians to prevent the attack which I understood a 
 iew tribes meditated an;ainst the American frontier. 
 But their eftorts 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 tliem from the 
 contest in time to avert their destruction. A high 
 «legree of fanaticism, which had been for years work- 
 ing in their minds, has led to the present event. 
 
 Mujor-General Brock to Lieut, -General Sir G. Prcvost. 
 
 York, December 11, 1811. 
 
 I had tlie honor yesterday of receiving your excel- 
 lency's letter of the 1st ultimo, stating your intention 
 of establishing depots of small arms, accoutrements 
 
3IH ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 131 
 
 lion 
 
 Ints 
 
 ( 
 
 and ainnmiiition, at tlie difrcront posts in Upper 
 Canada. 
 
 Siiu(> tlio i?ettIcinont of tlii; provinno, several hnri- 
 drcd stands have been at diHl-irnt times issued to the 
 militia, and T have ^iven direotioTis for collecting 
 iheni, hut in all prohiil)ility {rreat deficiencies will he 
 found; indeed, it has already been ascertained that 
 those delivered in 171)5 hy the late Lieut. -GcJieral 
 Simcoe arc Avholly lost to the service. To obviate for 
 the liituru such an extensive waste, I propose iixing 
 upon proper places at each post, wlierein the arms 
 may be deposit(!d after the nnlltia have exercised; 
 and I have to request your (ixeeilency'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 obliLics the militia to have 
 recourse to the military. 
 
 I have recently had occasion to report, for your 
 excellencv's information, the total want of stores at 
 this post, beyond those immediately necessary for the 
 commissariat, f shall consequently be much at a 
 loss to find accommodation for the 2,JJ21) French 
 muskets whlcii vour excelloncv has directed to fje 
 sent here ; and as the only magazine is a small 
 wooden shed, not sixty yards from the king's house, 
 wjiich is rendered dangerous from the quantity of 
 powder it already contains, I cannot but feel a repug- 
 nance 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 c;^ tho navigation, there will 
 be sufficient time to coutiive the best means to meet 
 your excellency's m ishes= 
 
 ) a' 
 
i;3'2 
 
 LIFE AND COrtKKSPON PENCE OF 
 
 I! '! 
 
 Major-Gcncral Jirork to the Military S>cretari/. 
 
 YoiiK, Dt'coinber 11, 1811, 
 
 I was yc'storilfiy lionoied willi your letter of the 
 (Uli of Inst mo/itl), witli its eiK-losurc. Soon after the 
 Ucpurturo of Lieut. -Ciovcruor (Jore, the Indian ac- 
 conipt.', wlileli Mr. lluwden states in his letter to 
 Mr. Thomson to have transmitted to his excellency, 
 were forwnrdod to Mr. Lane, who immediately pro- 
 ceeded in their examination. 
 
 \othin{^ is more certain than that the examination 
 of the cash accom[>t9 will best proceed at Quebec, but 
 how far it may be advisable to j^end future accompts 
 such a distance away from all explanation, is a con- 
 sideration of some moment. I am naturally anxious 
 that the examination should, in the first instance, bo 
 made on the spot ; and if an accomptant were conti- 
 nued on the establishment of this province, and took 
 up the accompts from a recent date, he would be able 
 to proceed almost as fast as others oc^curred. Trans- 
 actions fresh ill the memory eoidd be easily explained, 
 and a temporary audit would secure such a decree of 
 accuracy as to leave little to be done on their reach- 
 ing Quebec. 
 
 I have s'entured to recommend Mr. M'Gill to his 
 excellency, as every way qualified to fulfil the duties 
 of an aecomptant ; and as his bodily infirmities must 
 limit his exertions to some sedentary employment, he 
 cannot, I conceive, be more usefully occupied than 
 in that situation in this province. Mr. Lane shall be 
 directed to proceed to (inebt;c ; but the roads are in 
 so bad a state, that he cannot possibly travel for some 
 weeks. 
 
 Colonel Bayncs to Major-Gcncral Brock. 
 
 [OFFICIAL.! QiTEUEc, December 12, 181L 
 
 I am directed to transmit herewith a copy of pro- 
 posals for raising a corps of Glengary Fcncibles. 
 The commander of the forces has selected an officer 
 
SIK HAAC nitO'.K. 
 
 133 
 
 of tlic kiuv^\ rf'(;lmcrii, a(.'a|ttiiiM George M'Do?>olI,* 
 an avowed Catlmlic. and a relation of tlic ( JN.'iijjary 
 prit'si of that iianu!, t(» attcrnpt tho forni!itii»n of a 
 siniiU battalion, to bo In the first instanco nndi-r Ida 
 command with tlic rank of major ; and in case a 
 mor rcspectablo body can bo collected, u lieuicnant- 
 coloiiol commandant will bo appointed. Captain 
 M'DonoIl will loave this in a few davs uml ho will 
 be ilireeti'd to take an early opportunity of eornmu- 
 niraling with you as soon as he lias felt his ground a 
 little in (ilengary, atid is ublo to form a correct idea 
 of the prospect and extent of success that is likely to 
 attend his exertions. 
 
 1 shall have the honor of sendinii von bv the next 
 post a reiTulation for the payment of cler<4ynien 
 })erformin!:; religious duties for the troops at the <lif- 
 lerent stations in Canada. The olHcialiniX clcrLCv- 
 man at York will receive the garrison allowances of 
 a captain, together with a salary of £70, army ster- 
 ling, per annum. 
 
 [PBIVATK.] 
 
 Sir George will fdl up the new Glengary corps with 
 as man} otlicers ns he can from the line, with perma- 
 nent rank, and i hnve availed my.<elf of the op|)Oi- 
 tunity to propose one, in whose advancement I know 
 you feel an interest. lie has allowed me to note 
 Lieutenant Sliaw, of t'lo 40th, for a cotnpany ; and 
 you are at liberty to inform his father, the pjeneral, of 
 ^*ir George's favorable i)itentions towards his son. 
 
 ! ! 
 
 Sir George Prevost to Major-General Brock. 
 
 Qt:i;blc, December 24, 1811. 
 
 I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
 your letter of the id instant, which reached me by 
 the courier on Saturday, and I have notiailed to give 
 
 , It. 
 
 ■* This oiificor, i\,s major conimuiiding the Glctigary Light Intantry, ilib- 
 tinKuisheil hiiii!jclf ii. the capture ot Ogdciisbuitf. in February, ISia. 
 
'"i^'^ifm>f 
 
 ■«5 *>.;..(. rf*U..--*i»?'- 
 
 ^^^U--i./^ I 
 
 134 
 
 LIFE AND CORRKSPONDENCE OF 
 
 I ,.; 
 
 }> ' 
 
 n i 
 
 it tliat consideration which tlie importance of the 
 several points, to which it alludes, entitles it. 
 
 In addition to tho president's message bein;; full of 
 gunpowder, the report made to conijres:: by its com- 
 mittee on the state of the foreign affairs of the United 
 State?, conveys sentiments of such decided hostility 
 towards England, that T feel justified in reconi mend- 
 ins: such precaution as may place you in a state of 
 prc})aration for that event; and with this view you 
 must endeavour to trace an outline of co-operation, 
 compensating for onrde/iciency in strength. I agree 
 with you as to the advantages which may result from 
 giving, rather than receiving, tho first blow ; but it 
 is not ray opinion war will commence by a declarji- 
 ration of it. That net would militate against tho 
 policy of both countries; therefore, we must expect 
 repeated petty aggressions from our neighbours, be- 
 fore 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 pro- 
 perty, 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 sliould be delayed, if possible, until hos- 
 tilities are more certain ; though, whenever the sub- 
 ject is adverted to, I think it would be advisable 
 
SIR I^AAC BROCK. 
 
 13i> 
 
 always to intimate that, as a matter of course, we 
 shall, in the event of war, expect the aid of our bro- 
 thers. Althoufrh 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 Iliad, previously to the arrival 
 of your letter, <i;i\en the deputy qunrtermnster-gene- 
 ral directions for the buildintr oi' unother schooner for 
 Lake Lrie.* 
 
 1 am sorry to observe, both by your militia act and 
 returns, (that) you are cm1)arrassed with oibcers hold- 
 ing the rank of colonel. It is certainly desirable that 
 no higher rank should exist than that of lieutenant- 
 colonel commtindant, else, in ran ny cases, the officers 
 of militia on service might be seniors to the officers 
 of the line in command of regiments. It is, 1 am 
 apprehensive, scar(;ely possible to revoke the com- 
 missions of colonel v/hich have been issued to the 
 commanding officers of battalions of militia, for that 
 of lieutenant-colonel — therefore, if commissions can- 
 not without serious dissaiisfachon be withdrawn, you 
 are authoriztd in that case, in order to preserve the 
 command of the inspecting field officer, to direct 
 Lieut.-Colonel St. George to act with the local rank 
 of colonel in Upper Canada, giving at the same time 
 (should circumstances make it necessary that the 
 troops of the line and those of the militia be called 
 to act together) a corrc»|K)nding local brevet to such 
 lieutenant-colonels serving in regiments of the line, 
 immediately under your command, as may appear 
 to you necessary to obviate the inconvenience that 
 may be anticij^ated from their having juni<>i' rank to 
 officers in command of militia regiments; but as this 
 latter arrangement is not free from considerable ob- 
 jection, you must retard the measure as much as 
 circumstances will permit. 
 
 [The reiuairnler of this letter is of no interest.] 
 
 * rills vessel, named tlic Lady Prpvost, was employed on the Lake, in 
 Augu.st, 1812. 
 
 ■ i 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 I ^ 
 
 r ■ 
 
•MMMlMMMMMMiahi 
 
 130 
 
 LIIE AND CORBESPONDENi.E OF 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Our memoir having now reached the year 1812, in 
 which tlie United States of America declared war 
 against Great Britain, we proceed to give a l)rief' 
 review of the causes wliich led to that event ; and in 
 doing: so it will be necessarv to so back to the com- 
 menccment of the century. 
 
 The first president of America, the immortal Wash- 
 ington,* and his successor, Adams, entertained friend- 
 ly 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 favor- 
 able to France, so was his secretary of state, and suc- 
 cessor in the presidential chair, Madison. Although 
 there were many intervenient lieart-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 commodi- 
 ties whatever, produced fresh retaliatory orders in 
 council, intended to support England's maritime 
 rights and commerce, and to counteract Bonaparte's 
 
 * He ((i('d at Mount Vernuii, on the Htli Uecember, 1799, iu the sixty • 
 eightii year of his age, Icaviug a widow, but uo issue. 
 
 
rf 
 
 SIR ISAAC nROCK. 
 
 137 
 
 1 
 
 conlinciital ^ystoin. The Berlin decree was a gross 
 infringement, of ilio law of nations, and fin outrage on 
 neutral rights, which especially called for resistance 
 from the Amoricaus, a neutral and tradin'jj i)eople ; 
 but they neither resisted nor seriously remon.^trated 
 ati^ainst it. Xapolcon intended by this decree to })re- 
 vent the trade of Ktigland with the continent, but his 
 failure should be a lesson to those statesmen who seek 
 to check the free current of an intcrchanjjje of pro- 
 ducts among' nations, as with all his power he could 
 not succeed in -topping tlie trade by contraband. 
 Other causes of dispute arose from the determination 
 of the IJriti>h goverunicnt to exclude the Americans 
 from the blockaded ports of Frarice, and from that 
 inexhaustible sonrce of quarrel, the impressment of 
 British seanuMi from American vessels, especially as 
 the difficulty of distinguishiny; British from Ameri- 
 can seamen led occasionally to the impressment of 
 Americiin native born citizens. In June, 1807, the 
 rencontre occurred between his n^ajesty's ship Leopard 
 and the Chei^ajicakc:, uhieh terminated in the forcilde 
 extraction from the Americfsn frigate of four deserters 
 from British ships of war. The British government 
 instantly disavowed this act, and recalled Vice-Ad- 
 niiral Berkeley, who had given the order to search 
 the ChcsajiCtnke. Jelferson, liowever, not only issueil 
 a proclamation interdicting all British ships of war 
 entering tlie ports of the United States, but proposerl 
 to congress to lay an embargo on American vessels, 
 and to compel the trading ships of every other nation 
 to quit the Americnn harbours — another wise expe- 
 dient, like the Berlin decree, for the encouragement 
 of smuggling across the frontier.* This ()roposition 
 was warndy opposed by the federalists, or Washing- 
 tonians, but it was nevertheUiss adopted by large 
 majorities. Thus mutters reuMined, with subsequent 
 slifrhl modifications, from the month of Decendjer, 
 1807, to the declaration of war in 181*2, an interval 
 
 * See couclusiun of BrigatlUr Brock's IcUer, dateil Montreal, July 20, 1808. 
 
 1 1 
 
 Hi 
 
 1 1 
 
 i ■: 
 
 )M 
 
^im 
 
 wmt. 
 
 
 i "i 
 
 
 r f 
 
 i:}8 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 which tlie commercial classes in the United States 
 spent in a hopeless strug:gle against bankruptcy and 
 ruin. Attempts Mere 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 tlie French decrees should cease to 
 exist. In 1800, Jefferson w s succeeded as president 
 by Madison, who was compelled to yield somewhat 
 to the popular outcry, and to repeal the universal 
 embargo, substituting a non-intercour e act with Eng- 
 land and France, both which nations, it must be 
 confessed, having, by restraints on their commerce, 
 given the Americans just grounds for dissatisfaction. 
 On the 21st of April, 1812, the prince regent in 
 council engaged to revoke tiie obnoxious orders in 
 council of the years 1807 and 1809, whenever the 
 French government should repeal the Berlin and 
 Milan decrees ; and having received notice of such 
 repeal, the orders in council were revoked on the 
 2J3d of June following, 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 coaceded a few weeks earlier, there would have 
 been no "ar 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 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 139 
 
 the United States," says James, in his naval history, 
 " \vas to he settled hy a calculation of profit and loss. 
 France liad numerous allies — England scarcely any. 
 France had no contisruous terriforv — Eno;land had 
 the Cunadus ready to be marched into at a moments 
 notice. France had no commerce — England had 
 richly-ladoti merchantmen traversing every sea. Eng- 
 land, therefore, it was against whom the death-blows 
 of America were to be levelled." The struggles of 
 England against Mapoleon ennhled the American go- 
 vernment 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 mercv of England when war was finally de- 
 clared, 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 IHth of June, before 
 the revocation of the orders in council was known in 
 the United States, a declaration of war was issued by 
 President Madison, in accordance with the decision 
 of congress on the previous day, tlie votes in the 
 senate being 11) to 13, and in the house of representa- 
 tives 79 to 49 ; and its supporters being chiefly from 
 the western and southern states to Pennsylvania in- 
 clusive, while the advocates for peace were principally 
 from the northern and eastern states.* The American 
 declaration of war reached London on the 30th July, 
 but in the belief that the repeal of the orders in 
 council would produce a suspension of hostilities, the 
 British government simply ordered the embargo and 
 detention of American ships and properly ; and it 
 was not until the 13t]i of October, the dav on which 
 Sir Isaac Brook was slain, that it issued an order 
 granting general reprisals against the ships, goods, 
 and citizens of the United States. 
 
 * Pictorial History of England. 
 
 I 
 
 1 \ 
 
 \\\ 
 
 ; V 
 
 I .; 
 
 
140 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 u 
 
 ii 
 
 li 
 
 S!r George Prevost to Major-Genvrnl lirock. 
 
 Quebec, January 22, 1912. 
 
 It is the opInioTi of the adjutant-general that you 
 will not wish to avail yourself of the conditional leave 
 of absence I have received authority to c:rant you. 
 1 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, afford the opportunity of doing so 
 without depriving me of your assistance at this critical 
 period of affairs. 
 
 Colonel Baynes to Mojor-Gcneral Brock, at York. 
 Quebec, January 23, 1812.* 
 
 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 a m on the staff in Canada. But Sir George, 
 viewing lie 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 pnfer retaining your present 
 charge, ho 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 
 
 * This and a few of the subsequent letters from Colonel Baynes are 
 partly in cyplii r of figures, but of course we liave not the key. 
 
SlU ISAAC flROC'K. 
 
 141 
 
 tleprivinj^ us of your services. Sir Geortjje has asked 
 pennissiou to fi))point liiin in General Wilder's place, 
 and tlicre will be two vacatjcies in Nova Scotia to fill 
 up in the «prin<>;. 
 
 Sir George has great pleasure in acceding to your 
 request to be })erniitted to nominate one or two en- 
 signs to the Glengary rencibles; and, if you wish, 
 young Shaw nuiy be ininicd lately 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"^ 
 
 der ciplier, aeco "(''^ivd with high wind, and 
 ' ::r lining during ..". dir.t time above 15" below — 
 it is at this moment '20'~ 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 shooiing wild pigeons, you cer- 
 tainly posses? a very great advantage over us in 
 these respects.* AVe have been much plagued with 
 opthalmia, which has been very general in the king's 
 regiment, and the seve)*e cold does nc»f prevent llic 
 
 contagion. 
 
 MajoT'OetK^ral lirock to the Military Secretary. 
 
 YojiK, January, 1812. 
 
 T beg leave to observe, in answer to your letter of 
 the 12th ultimo, that my sole obj(!Ot in making the 
 representation contained in my letter of the 8th of 
 November was to point out the necessity of autho- 
 rizing the storekeeper -general to make purchases, 
 provided the Indian presents did not reacli this coun- 
 try before the close of the navigation — their subse- 
 quent arrival, however, removes every difficulty. I 
 
 * "Immense flucks of the i)asseng:cr, or wild pigeon, freciucnt Tpper 
 Canada durini; sprinii ami autumn, anti myriad.- of them arc killcfi by 
 fire arms, or cauRlit in ni't.-i, by the inhul)itants, tor ttiey fly ^.o "lose, and 
 in sudi numbors, that twenty or ttiirty may sonu'times be brc^aglit down 
 at a siuglc shot." — Uouison's Upper Canada. 
 
 \ 
 
 M 
 
 \i 
 
142 
 
 LIFE AND C0RHES1>0NPEN( E OP 
 
 ? 
 
 am truly lensfible of his exoellency's proviUrnf, care 
 and attciitiuii in dircctiiitii; tlio rcfjui^ition for the en- 
 suiufif year to he sent by hind, as tlie early receipt of 
 the presents is always, but partieuhirly in these uncer- 
 tain times, very desirable. The instructions of the 
 ()th of May, 171)0, issued by Lord Dorchester, have 
 been continued in full ft>rce by my predecessor at the 
 head of the civil administration, on whom the charge 
 of the Irulian deparfnicnt devolved in conscfjuenco of 
 the Duke of Portland's letter to General Prescott, 
 and the kinfr's additional instructions, dated the 1.5th 
 of December, 171)(3. How far this chanw from the 
 military to the civil superintendence has fended to 
 advance the service I ai i not prepared to say, but J 
 rather incline to think that, considering; the mode in 
 which the expense of tue department is defrayed, it 
 is liable to [)roduce confusiorj. 
 
 The instructions, a copy of which you transmitted, 
 apply to such Indians as live a short distance from 
 the several posts. Vast nund)ers resort every year, 
 particularly to Amherstburj;, from countries at such 
 a great distance, that it is ulterly impossible to regu- 
 late their attendance. 1 myself saw, in 1810, about 
 eight hundred at Aniherstburg, who had been there 
 upwards of a month receiving rations, awaiting the 
 arrival of the presents which the vessel, in which I 
 end)arked the middle of August, carried to that post; 
 and I understand that this generally occurs every 
 season. I find that in 1808 Lieut. -Governor Gore 
 transmitted to England two requisitions, one amount- 
 ing to i:'9,54(3. lOs. ?id. lor the ordinary service of the 
 Indian department, and the other to .£*'2;3,795. Is. 3d., 
 which his excellency represented as necessary in the 
 event of war. I am credibly informed within these 
 few days that both requisitions have been complied 
 with. The fact can be easily ascertained, and, if 
 found correct, the whole of the goods of the war 
 demand must be in store, for I have reason to believe 
 that no call has been made upon it from this province. 
 
 j? 
 
PIP. ISAAC nnocK. 
 
 143 
 
 Major-Gcnral Jirnch tti Colonel Bai/nes. 
 
 York, Jiinuary 2<), 1812. 
 
 Captain M'Doncll, accoinpuiiied by the priest, 
 arrivttl liere some days acjo. Tlic badness of the 
 weather ha^ prevented liis return as soon as he first 
 proposed. All the jtinior commissions being already 
 disposed of amonfr the youths of Glengary, 1 fear 
 that little will be dune ' this part of the province 
 towards recruiting tlie intended corps. A few idlers 
 may he picked up ; but, Mirhout the aid of persons of 
 influence, no great nundior can be expected, unless 
 indeed the militia be called out, and hind promised. 
 
 Understanding from Captain M'Doneli that the 
 commander of the forces had applic' to the prince 
 regent for permission to oiler some of the waste land 
 of the crown as an inducemcm to the Scotch emi- 
 grants to enlist, I stated rhe circumstance to council, 
 and have much pleasure in assuring his excellency, 
 thai should he be of opinion the ])rcsent aspect of 
 aflairs calls for prom|)t measures, and that a direct 
 promise of land would accelerate the recruiting, this 
 government will readily pledge itself to grant one, or 
 even two, hundred acres to such as enlist on the 
 terms proposed by his excellency. This will bo 
 deviating laroTiv from the kinij's instructions ; but 
 in these eventful and critical times, the council con- 
 ceives that an expression from his excellency of the 
 necessity of the measure will be suihcient to warrant 
 a departure from the usual rules. Should his excel- 
 lency think it expedient to act immediately, and 
 authorize a direct offer of land, I have no doubt that 
 a number of young men n)ight be collected between 
 Kingston and Amherstburg, in which case his excel- 
 lency may sanction the raising of two additional 
 companies under my superintendence, 
 
144 
 
 MFE AND C0HHK8I'0NI)ENC'K OF 
 
 Major-Ocnci'ul Tiroch in Sir George Prcvost. 
 
 York, Juiiuary 2(), 1812. 
 
 The very serious inoonvenicuco Nvliich the inha- 
 bitants of this province uxporienco lor uant of a suffi- 
 cient latid coinmunieahon with Lower Canatln, induces 
 me to troubhj }ou on the suhject. The Ilev. Mr, 
 M'Donell, of (ilengary, tlie hearer of this letter, h so 
 Avell (luulified to explain tlic causes which have 
 hitherto impeded tlie cuttinix of a road to connect 
 tii(! two proviru'cs, thut 1 nc( d not det;iin your excel- 
 lency, jiiirtieularly as reference ciin be had to Lieut. - 
 Colonel liruyeres, "ho, havin^' been employed by 
 Sir James Craip^ to ascertain the grounds upon which 
 a dirficulty arose in the attainment of so desirable an 
 object, can give every necessai'y information. 
 
 If, through your indulgent interfere'ice, this impc- 
 dnnent can be overcome, a las-ting obligation will be 
 imposed on the inhabit; nts. 
 
 On the 4th February, 1811, Major-Cieneral Brock, 
 accompanied by a numerous suite, opened the session 
 of the legislature at York with the following speech to 
 the legislative council and thi' house of as^embIy : 
 
 *' Honorable Gentlemen ot the Legislntive Council, and 
 Gentlemen of the House of AssenUjly. 
 
 "I shouM derive the utinost satisfaction, llie first time of 
 my addressing you, were it perniittod nie to du'cct your iitlen- 
 tlon polely to suoli objects as tended to promote the peace and 
 prosperity of this province. 
 
 " The glorious contest in which Die IJritish empire is en- 
 g'aged, and the vast sacrifice which (Jrcat Uritain nobly offers 
 to secure the independence of otJiei nations, mi^ht he expect- 
 ed to stifle every feehng of envy and jealousy , and at the same 
 time to excite the interest and conniiand the admiration of a 
 free people ; but, regardless of such generous impressions, the 
 American government evinces a disposition calculated to im- 
 pede and divide her ett'orts. 
 
 " England is not only interdicted tlie harbours of the T.'nit- 
 ed States, whilj they itJord a slielter to the cruisers of her 
 
SIR iSAAi nno<:K. 
 
 145 
 
 inv<?(i>rate ciiiniy, luit »«lii! is likewise rcquirod to rosign those 
 niuriliiiic ri^lit<i wliirli -.li.' lias »{, lonu cxtTcisj'd ami fnj<»y<'d. 
 Insiiltiiiy: tlii« iits nr.' ollcrcd, ami liosiili- prcimratioiis imM nally 
 i'oumii'iiciMl ; iind tiii>iij;li not wiilioiit liopc! Uutt cool n'tli'c- 
 tioii and the iliclatrH of, justice uiay yd u\ert. the oaluiuities 
 of war, I cimimr. ihuUt i\fr> view of (lie rrlutivositiiatiuii of 
 tlu' ]trnv ill',-, lie (<i(i ni'iitMit ill rci'niiiiiuudiiit' to your oarly 
 attfiitioii tlx! adij|>ii(»ii of siudi iiu'itiiun") u«< will lii-ht ^ocuro 
 the inl.-riial jieuoe ot the country, and dci'eat. every tutstile 
 agun ssion. 
 
 " I'rinripallv criiiipoM .1 of the sons of 'i loyal and Imive 
 hand ot veferaus. the iinlitia, I am eoidideiit, stand in need 
 of lutthinjjf hat the neees!.ary !i<;i-,|alive provis^ioUH, to tlirect 
 their tudoiir in the nt|iiir(jm»iil. of niditary instruction, to 
 form a niost oliu'lent toree, 
 
 " Tlie jjrowini; prosperity of these provinoea, it is nionife«it, 
 bectiii!* tOiV.vaketi u >ipirit of envy .ind amtiition. Theaeknow- 
 led>;((l iin|)ort.iiice «.f tiiis ( ulony to fhe jiarent state will so- 
 curt! theeontinnaneeof her powerful jiri>teeti(ni. Her f(jslerin(f 
 care has been tlie tirst cause, under Providence, of the unin- 
 terrupted happiMr>>jou )iave «o lon^ en,i ijed. Vour imiuuiry 
 has been litierally rewarded, and you have- in consequence 
 risen to opulence. 
 
 "Tlieso inlere>itinjf trnlli!« are not uttered to animate your 
 jintriolisui, but, t<i Hisncl auj appri'h'iisiun wh'nh )(ju nuiy 
 iiave iudiihed of tin; possibility of lln^rlaud tbrsalnuji' jon ; fjr 
 you must be sensible that if o)iei bereft of her support, ifonee 
 deprived of thf; advnulajres whieh her eounuen'e and the sup- 
 ply of her most essr;ntial wants ^.'.'^c you, lliis t olony, from its 
 geographical positi^in, must inevitably snik into eomparativu 
 povertj and iiisi'^niiieauoc 
 
 " Itul. lleavtn will look favourably on the jnanly exeiriions 
 which the loyal and virtuous iidujhitants cd this liupjiy land 
 are prepared to nnike, to avert such a -.iire ealaniitj . 
 
 '* Our tiraeioas prince, who so iihuiouMly npludds the dig- 
 rnty of the empire, already appn eiaies your merit ; and it will 
 be your first care to estaldish, bv (he course of your actions. 
 the just claim of the country U> ihe protection of his royal 
 Jd'.rhneps. 
 
 *' I cannot deny myself the satisfaction of announcing to 
 you from this ](lace, the rnunitb ent intention of his royal 
 highness the prince regent, who ha:^ been '^^raciously fdeased 
 to signify that a gram of £l"t* per annum will be proposeil in 
 the annual estin>ate», for every future niissiona'-y ot the < ios- 
 pel sent from llnglaiul, whi> may have faitht'ully discbor^ed, 
 ior the term often years, tlie duties of his station in this pr> 
 vince. 
 
 II . 
 
 M 
 
 II 
 
 1 
 
14(5 
 
 riFE AND fORRESPOVDENCE OF 
 
 ^ 
 
 I? 
 
 ; ( 
 
 '* (fcntlemt-n of the IIoiiso of A8»oiiibly. 
 
 '• I hiivo no doubt hut that, with int.', you are oonvinood of 
 fhf noi'OBsity of a n(?ular Kystcm ot'inilitiiry instruction to thu 
 uiiiitiii of this province; — on this >4alutiiry prt-oaution, in tlio 
 event of a i-var, our future snlcfy will jcrcafly depciul, and I 
 doubt not, hul lijutyou will oheorfull} k'n<l your aid, to euablu 
 nir- to defray thu expense of curry iny into eft'oct a measure so 
 «.onihu'iv»j to our 8<'eurit> and (h.'feuce. 
 
 *' I have ordered the public ai;eouutH to be laid before you, 
 and huvti no doubt but tiint juu will t'<»n8ider tlienu with that 
 ullcntion whieh the nature of the subject may rerjuirc. 
 
 " Honorable (Jenlleinen of the Lcfrislative (Council and 
 (rentlernen of the House of Assembly. 
 
 " I have, without reserve, coininuuicated to you what has 
 occurred to nie »in thee.vistiriy circunistaneesof this province. 
 We wish and hofio for pencf;, but it ia nevertheless our duty 
 to be prepared tor war, 
 
 "The task imposed upon you, on. the present oecnaion, is 
 arduous; thi^s task, however, 1 hope and trust, laying aside 
 every con.sideruiion hut tiiutof the public good, you will per- 
 form witli that firniness, discretion, and promptitude, which a 
 regard to yoursidves, your fumilles, your country, and your 
 king, calls for iit your haiuls. 
 
 ** As for n)>9c)f, it shall be my utmost endeavour to co-ope- 
 rate with you iu proinotiiigsueh measiureis as may best contri- 
 bute to the security and to the prosperity of this province." 
 
 The addressee of the provincial purliani(3nt in reply 
 were liijilil v satisfactory, and in answer Mujor-General 
 Brock obtiorved : 
 
 "The eontfratnlatiouy olfered upon my appointment to the 
 honorable station I hold in this jirovinoe, and the confidence 
 you so early reiiose in me, arc, be assu-'d, received with 
 pride and hearttelt satibfuction. 
 
 " Impressed with the assurance of your support, f feel a 
 most perfect reliance that the exertions of this province will 
 be found etjual to meet every emfirgency of this important 
 crisis." 
 
 TJje conclusion of the following letter is descriptive 
 of Mfijor-Oeneral Brock's views and intentions in the 
 probable event of a war ensuing between Great Bri- 
 tain and the T^^nited States, and which a few months 
 afterwards lie carried into effect with a success that 
 must liave exceeded his most sanguine expectations. 
 
Hill ISAAC UHOCK. 
 
 147 
 
 a 
 
 all 
 int 
 
 Ive 
 he 
 Iri- 
 
 Ihs 
 
 Mtijor-Gcnirnl lirock to CoJonA Jiitijups, the Arlj.-ncvoral. 
 
 V..UK, FoI)iMiiiry I'A IHl'i. 
 I root^ivod yr-trrday your Icttrr dated tlio Kill) iiiid 
 '2't]d all. My iitfi.'iiiiojj wsis so imicli occupied with 
 my civil diifics diirinij the stay of Crt|>t!iiii flray* lit 
 York, lliiil some mil'itary points escaped cons-idom- 
 tion, and I ^■ll!dl now advert to tliein. As no mention 
 in made of wiilidrawini:' fhe-Hsil from this province, 1 
 consider the ])roposid movement of the M)\\\ as in- 
 ten(h'd to i^Mve me an accessi«)n of btrenglli ; anil tlie 
 a])prehenKion occasioned by Captain (rray's report to 
 tlie contrary, is consequently dispelled. The assur- 
 ance, wlileii I gave in my speech at the openini^ 
 of the lejfislature, .f J'.ngland 'looperatiny; in tl j 
 defence of this province, lias infused tlio ntmo'^^t 
 confidence; and I have reason af this moment to look 
 for the acquiescence of tiie tW'^ Ijousc to esery mea- 
 ynre I mav think neeessiirv to recc "imeiid for the 
 peace and defeinMj of die (iomitry. t spirit has ma- 
 nifested itself, little expected hy those who f inceived 
 tiiemsehes the Ijest ipialilied t) jiidfje of the dj'.posiliori 
 of the members of the liousf. of assembly. Tiic most 
 powerful opponents to Ciovernor Gor(?'s administra- 
 tion take tlie lead on the present occasion. I, of 
 course, do not think it expedient to damp the ardour 
 displayed by tljcso once doubtful characters. Some 
 o])posed Mr. (.{ore evidently trom personal motives, 
 but Tiever forfeited the ri-^ht of bein^ numbered amony; 
 the most loyal. I'ew, very \'e\\, I believe, were acta- 
 ated by base jr uu worthy considerations, however 
 mistaken they ma\ have been on various occasions. 
 Their character v "^1 very soon be put to a severe, test. 
 The measures \vh' '. i intend to propose, are : 
 
 1. — A militia supplemeiitary act. Sir George 
 will hear the outlines from Captain Ciray. 
 
 * Captain Gray was killed, while actine deputy quartermaster general, 
 at the attack o\> Sui-kctt's Harbour, \n May, I8i:}, unit was much regretted. 
 He served many years in (iiieriisey in the StatT Corps ; and in iHUi an 
 excellent topopraplijca) juuput the islands nf (iuenisoy, Saik, llerni, and 
 Jethou, was published, which h«il been yurvejed and drawn by him. 
 
 
)i 
 
 148 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 2. — The siiS|)eiision of tlie habeas corpus — a 
 copy of tlie act now enforced in the Lower 
 Province. ♦ 
 
 3. — An alien law. 
 
 4. — The oftbr of a reward for the better appre- 
 licnsion of deserters. 
 
 If I succeed in all tlii^^, I shall claim some praise; 
 but I am not without uiy 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 ara 
 satisfied ('j^iviniij, of course, every proper allowance to 
 the disposition of the people) they are [)eculiarly cal- 
 culated to meet the local situation of the country. 1 
 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 nund)er of arms 
 may bo sent, aecordinn^ to the enclosed requisition, to 
 the places therein spccitied, on the communication 
 between Gleturarv and Kinjiston. Every man ca- 
 pable of carry in<^ a musket, aloni; the whole of that 
 line, oufi'ht to be prepared to act. The members of the 
 assembly from that part of the country are particu- 
 larly anxious that some works may be thrown up as a 
 rallying j^oint and place of security for stores, &;c., in 
 the vicinity of Johnstown. 1 shall requojt Colonel 
 M'Donnell to e.xamiiu^, on his return, the ground 
 which those i^entlerncn recommend as best suited for 
 that purpose. Being immediattly oj)po9ite (Jzwegat- 
 chie, some precaution of :he sort is indispensable, 
 were it only to preserve a fr( e communication between 
 the two provinces. 1 have been niadc to expect the 
 able assistance of Captain Marlow. Should he be still 
 at (Quebec, have the goodness to direct his attention, 
 on his way 'ip, to that quarter, lie had better consult 
 Colonel Fra/er and Captain (iilkinson, men of sound 
 judgment, and well ac{|Uiiinteil with the country. The 
 militia will have, of course, to be employed on the 
 works. 
 
SIR iSAAf HROCK. 
 
 141) 
 
 I must ptil! prcHs llio ncoo=«:iv' of fin active, cntcr- 
 prizirif^, iritcHi«^oiit coinniandor, l)fing stalioned on that 
 important lino of coninmnioation. I wish Colonel 
 EUicc* ueroliere to undertake the arduous task, as it 
 is wholly impossible that I can do so. Every assist- 
 ance in niv civil capacitv 1 ahull alwavs be ready to 
 jfive, and to that point my exertions must be necessa- 
 rily limited. Niay;ara and Amherstbur<; will sutti- 
 ciently occupy my attention. I deliver my sentiments 
 freely, believing they will not lie the less acceptable. 
 
 I discussed every point connected witii Amherst- 
 burf^ so completely with Captain Gray, that I do not 
 find any thinjr very essential was omitted. Colonel 
 M'J)onncll will I'C able probably to jjiive us further 
 insight as to the actual state of affairs there. He was 
 to make every inquiry, and, as far as he was permitted, 
 to jud<2;o himself of the relative strength of Detroit. 
 
 Lieut.-Colonel 1 preceded him by some days, but 
 
 in such a state of mind that forbids my j)lacing any 
 depeudancc! on his cxerti'tns. AVhen [ first mentioned 
 my intention of sending him to Ainherstburg, he seem- 
 ed diffident of his abiliiie-, but pleased at the distinc- 
 tion. However, when he received his final instruc- 
 tions, his conduct in the presence of some ofhcers was 
 BO very improper, and otherwisii so childish, that I 
 have since written to say, if he continued in the same 
 disposition, he was at lilierty to return to Niagara. I 
 did not directly order him back, because at this time 
 T consider an officer of rank necessary at Andierst- 
 burg, particularly during the al>scnce of Messrs. 
 Elliott and Baby, who arc both here attending their 
 parliamentary duties. You will imagine, after what 
 I have stated, that it is tlie 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 
 
 * The present I.icut..O( ncraJ Ellice, euloncl of Uie '24tli regiment of 
 foot, mcnlionetl Ht page Itiy. 
 
 t Wo snijptoRb Uie nan^e from eonsicleraUon to In-* fannlY— he dicil 
 jfeneral ofJicer. 
 
 |i 
 
LOO 
 
 LIl'E AND CORUESPONDENCE 01' 
 
 
 f-^ 
 
 ambitious of military fame, tlierefore unfit for so im- 
 portant, a command. Should it please his excellency 
 to place the 41st niid 4yth at my disjiosal, 1 propose 
 sendinfj the former rei;iment to Amherslburg, as wc 
 cannot he too stronn^ 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 consequenco in the 
 event of hostilities. 1 set out with declaring my full 
 conviction, that unless Detroit and IVIichilimackinac 
 be both in our possession immediately at the com- 
 mencement of hostilities, not only the district of 
 Amherstburg, but most probably the whole country as 
 far as Kingston, must be e\acuated. How necessary, 
 therefore, to provide etfectually the means of their 
 capture. From Amherslburg it will be impossible to 
 send a force to reduce Michilimackinac. Unless we 
 occupy completely both banks, no vessel could pass 
 the river St. Clair. VV'hat I therefore presume to 
 suggest for his excellency's consideration, is the adop- 
 tion of a project which Sir James Craig contemplated 
 three years ago. The north-west company undertook 
 to transport 50 or (iO men up the Ottawa, and I make 
 no doubt would enirage again to perform the same 
 service. If, therefore, a war be likely to occur, at the 
 time the canoes -^lart from Montreal T should recom- 
 mend 40 or 'j(> of thc49tli liglit 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 
 tlie reduction of Michilimackhiac ; and should peace 
 succeed the present wranglin-/, the 40th detachment 
 could be easily removed to Aiuherstburg. 
 
SIR ISAAC UROCK. 
 
 151 
 
 Major-GcHcral lirock to Sir George Prcvost. 
 
 YoHK, February 12, 1812. 
 
 1 hfivo the honor to ackriowledfre the receipt of 
 your excellency'!^ letter of the 23(1 ultimo, with Its 
 enclosure, and in answer have t{» request you to lay 
 my liuinble aeknowledguients before nU royal liifrh- 
 ness the couiniander-in-chief, for his gracious com- 
 pliance with ray solicitation to visit England. Being 
 now placed in :i high ostensible situation, and the 
 state of public affairs with the American government 
 indicating a strong prejumption of an approaching 
 rupture between tlio two countries, I beg leave to be 
 allowed to remain in my present command. 
 
 The uniform confidence which your excellency has 
 been pleased to repose in my endeavours i ' promote 
 the king's service, permit nui to assure \ ou, is a 
 strong additional motive with me for entreating per- 
 mission to remain at this juncture under the imme- 
 diate orders of your excellency. 
 
 Major-General lirock to the Military Secretary. 
 
 York, February 12, 1812. 
 
 I have directed the assistant deputy commissary- 
 general at Amherstburg to purchase 2,0()0 busliels of 
 Indian corn. Corn will be absolutolv necessarv in 
 the event of war; and, should peace follow the exlst- 
 isting discussions, thi Indians will gladly receive it 
 in lieu of oth( r food. It is to bo procured, if possible, 
 on the American side, that our own stock may re- 
 main undiminished. Several agents have already 
 arrived from the Lower J'rovince, and made large 
 purchases of Hour ; if, therefore, our contracts are 
 not soon concluded, ^U3 shall be at the mercy of those 
 gentlemen. 1 have not considered myself justified 
 in interferinjj in the business of the commissariat. I 
 have lieen informed very lately that my account has 
 been charged with ,t!2(), for my portion of the ex- 
 pense of a cunoe, employed in taking Governor Gore 
 
152 
 
 LIFE AND COnhliPl'OXDEXCE OF 
 
 s% i ■ 
 
 and myself to York : porliups liis excellency may 
 consider this sum a fair public cJjarge. 
 
 Colonel Ratpics to Major-Gvneral Brvch. 
 
 QiKJuic, February 20, 1812. 
 Captain M'Donoll lias not clearly understood the 
 purport of his mission to l^pper Canada, and the 
 fjeneral regrets that he should have proceeded the 
 lenjxth lie has done without liaving previously received 
 your advice and instructions, to obtain which was the 
 chief object of Ids visit to York. It is to be hoped, 
 however, that sufficient patronage still remains open 
 to meet your wishes, as the apjiointment of three of 
 General ShaAv's sons may be considered, from the 
 sentiment? 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 di- 
 rected me to inform you, that he readily accepts of 
 your proposal \o recruit two companies, to be added 
 to the Glengary Fencibles ; the nomination of the 
 officers, viz. two captains, two lieutenants, and two 
 ensignp, to rest entirely with you. The general has 
 approved of the following quolas of men ibr the res- 
 pective ranks; captains ?J0. lieutenants 15, and en- 
 signs 20; tlie 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 1 am sure that you will not feel less dis- 
 posed to promote the formation of this corps, M'hen I 
 inform you that it is his intention to recommend me 
 to the commander-in-chief for the appointment of 
 colonel. 
 
 Colonel liayncit to Major-Crencral Brock. 
 
 Qi;euk( , February 22, 1H12. 
 Sir (ireorge is much jdeased with the favorable ac- 
 count Captain Gray has given him of your proceed- 
 
SIK rSAAC BRO< K. 
 
 \6n 
 
 iijgs. Your speech is hif^lilv approved of licri', and 
 we slmll rcjoioo to find our liouye ibllowiripf so laud- 
 able an cxani|Ho as your eominons have sht.wn them — 
 but 1 am not smj^uine ; tliey have already comineneed 
 with great illiberulity and violenoe to vent their spleen 
 and resontmerit a|^ainst Sir James (C'rai|x) in votes of 
 censure, and T fancy SirCieorLie, with all l)l^ amiable, 
 couciliatory manners, will hariUy succeed in kee])ing 
 theiri within bounds. 
 
 Mujor-General lirock to Sir Oeorgc Prr^vosi 
 
 York, February — , J!^l*2. 
 
 1 cannot permit Colouei .M'DoriTXjll to return borne 
 without givinj^ your ••xcellency a short account of" 
 our proceedings here. 
 
 1 liad every reason to expect the almost unanimous 
 sup))on of the two houses of the higisiature to every 
 measture the government ihoutilit it necessary to re- 
 comniend ; but after a short trial, I found mvself 
 egrefjiousiv mistak<;n in mv calculations. 
 
 The many doubtful oharaetery in the militia made 
 mc anxious to introilace tln^ oath of al)iui'ation into 
 the bill: ihcre ^vere twenty members in the house, 
 when this liighly important measure was lost by the 
 casting voice of the chairman. 
 
 The great influetice \\ liieh the numerous settlers 
 from the I uited Stales possess over the decisions of 
 the lower buuee is truly alarming, and ought imme- 
 diately, by ever) practical mean**, to be diminished. 
 To give cncouragvment to real subjects to settle in 
 this province, can alone r- nnjv<.' the evil. The consi- 
 deration of the; fee-., shoidd Jiot stand in the way of such 
 a politic urraitgement •, and should your fxcollency 
 ultimately determine to promise some of the waste 
 lands of the crown to such Scotch emigrauts as enlist 
 in the Glengary Fencibbs, I have no hesitation in 
 recommending, in the strongest immner, the raising of 
 a Canadian corps upon similar oDers, to be hereafter 
 
' "•w'yy — 
 
 154 
 
 LIFE AND CORHESPONDENCE OV 
 
 M 
 
 disbanded and distributed amoncj their countrymen 
 in tlio vicinity of Amherstburg. Colonel McDonnell 
 being in full possession of my seniiments on this 
 subject, I bee: leave to refer your excellency to him 
 for further infornujtion. 
 
 Tiie bill for the suspension of the habeas corpus, 
 ( rffrrct to say, uas likewise lost by a very trifling 
 majority. A stron<T sentiaient now prevails that war 
 is not likely to occur with the United States, which, 
 1 believe, tended to influence the votes of the mem- 
 bers ; T mean of such who, though honest, are by 
 their ijiiiorance easilv bctravcd into error. 
 
 The low ebb of their tinanccs appears to stagger 
 the most desperate democrais in the States, and may 
 possibly delay the comnifncenient of direct hostilities; 
 but -hould IVduce and Enijriand coniinue the contest 
 much longei', u appears to nu) absolutely impossible 
 for the United States to avoid nuiking their election ; 
 and the uidVlendly disposition they have for some 
 years past evinced towards England, loaves little 
 doidjt as to their choice. \our excellency, I am 
 sensible, wi\[ excuse the freedom with which I de- 
 liver my sentiments. 
 
 Every day hoslililies arc retarded, the greater the 
 difficulties we hhall have to encounter. The Ameri- 
 cans arc at this n;ion)ent busily employed in raising 
 six companies of Rangers, for the express purpose of 
 overawing the Indians; and are besides collecting a 
 regular force at Vincemu's, probably with a view of 
 reinforcing Detroit. Indeed, report states the arrival 
 of a largo force at V^ort Wayne, jntended for the 
 former garrison. Their iittrigues among the ditlerent 
 tribes aie carried on openly, and with the utmost acti- 
 vity ; and as no expense is spared, it may reasonably 
 be supposed that they do not fail of success. Divi- 
 sions are thus uninterruptedly sown among our Indian 
 friends, and ihe minds of many altogether estranged 
 from our interests. vSuch nmst inevitably be tlie con- 
 serjuence of our present inert and neutral proceedings 
 
sin ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 155 
 
 in refrard to tliem. It ill boooiiics me to determiiio 
 how lonjjf tnic jiolicy requires that tiie reslrictions 
 now imposed upon tjiu Indian department onj^ht to 
 continue ; but this 1 will venture to assert, that cacli 
 day the otiioers are restrained from interfering in the 
 concerns of tlio Indians, eacli time ♦liey advise peace 
 and withliold the accustomed supply of ammunition, 
 their iutliieiiee will dimini'ih, till at length they lose 
 it altofjjether. 
 
 I find that ever since the departure of Priest Burke 
 from Sandwich, the .•£.>() ])er annum paid from the 
 military chest to that i^entlcnuin have been withheld, 
 on what account I have not been able to ascertain. 
 The individual at present officiating is liighly spoken 
 of; and as several gcutlemen of the Catholic persua- 
 sion have ap))lied to me to intercede with your excel- 
 lency to renew the allowance, I jjresume to submit 
 the case to your indulgent consideration. 
 
 Colonel J.taijnca to Major- General Tiroch. 
 
 Qt'ebec, March o, 18] 2. 
 
 I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of 
 your letter of the I'ith of February, which I have 
 communicated to Sir George, who is highly pleased 
 to find you are satisiied to retain the important post 
 you nil, 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 })rinciples which they luive hitherto testi- 
 fied. You will perceive, iu the main sentiments of 
 Sir (jeorge'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 ciirhteen hours. It would 
 have been more to their credit had they left out the 
 allusion which has drawn from Sir George a very 
 u])propriate retort. Your friend, James Cuthbert, 
 
 t \ 
 
 
^Stmatmmmmm 
 
 150 
 
 lAFE AND COHKESPONDE.NCE OF 
 
 ■was very warm and eloquoiit upon the occasion ; and 
 the d< niagoguc party seemed sensible of tlie severity 
 of his satire, when he compared the factious cabal to 
 il^sop's faltie of the ass kicking at tlio dying lion. 
 Having vented their spleen, they will, 1 hclieve, [)rovo 
 a little more tractable : the militia hill has a prospect 
 of being materially amended, and they will, I think, 
 allow a proportion of about 2,(MX) 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 seloeted 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 Sir George Prevost. 
 
 York, March 9, 1812. 
 
 As the transactions which have occurred in the 
 house of assembly, in regard to the chief justice, 
 may be rej)rcsented at Quebec in a manner to excite 
 wrong iniprossions, 1 deem it proper to furnish your 
 excellency with a summary of the whole business. 
 
 The inordinate power assumed by the house of 
 assembly is truly alarming, and ought to be resisted, 
 otherwise the most tymnnical system will assuredly 
 be pursued by men who sutler themselves to be led 
 by a desperate faction, that stop at nothing to gratify 
 their personal resentment. 
 
 Mr. Nichol * is a gentleman of education, and 
 who, in the district in which he resides, has done 
 essential good in opposing the d.^mocratio measures 
 of a M" Willcocks and his vile coadjutors. The 
 palpaolc injustice committed against his person, by 
 dragging him at midnight, without any previous 
 warning, one hundred miles from his liome to the 
 bar of the house, and then committing him to gaol 
 
 * Mr Nirhdi was a lipntoiiatjt-coloiifl of militia, and <iuartenna3ter- 
 general of lliat force at the captixro of Detroit 
 
81R ISAAC HUOCK. 
 
 15: 
 
 nnder llic most frivolous pretences, has «Trcatly alarm- 
 ed tlic iiiosf rellcetiiit; part of the coinrmmity. Krt'orts 
 are to be made by i^evcriil respo«'tablc characters to 
 gei inio the next asi^enibly ; but such is the spirit 
 which unfortunately prevails, that I much fear they 
 will be foiled in their attempt. I was inclined to 
 dismiss the house before the members passed such 
 harsh resolutions a<xiiin>t the chief justice, but his 
 friends recomnuiided that thev should be allowed to 
 proceed without interruption. 
 
 Majoi'- General Brack to Colonel liaynes, 
 
 Yr.KK, March \\ 1812. 
 
 1 received vesterdav your letter dated the 20th 
 of February, and have to express my thanks to Sir 
 George Prevost for his readiness in attending to my 
 wishes. 
 
 His excellency having been plea*;ed to authorize the 
 raising of two i^ompunies under my superintendence, 
 giving me the iiomiiiation of the officers, I have to 
 acquaint you, tor his information, that Alexander 
 Roxburgh, I'^sq., has l>(!en appointed by me to raise 
 men for a company, and ^V'illiam M'Lean, gentleman, 
 for an ensigncy.* The former is a gentleman strongly 
 recommended to me by Mr. Cartwright, of Kingston; 
 and the latter, the son of an officer formerly in the 
 25th regiment, who, having settled in this country, 
 has become one of the most influential characters in 
 it. He is a member of the house of assembly for the 
 district of Frontenac. I have not yet determined in 
 respect to th(> remaining commissions, but will report 
 the instant the individuals arc nominated, 
 
 Captfiin Dixon froyal engineers) proceeded four 
 days ago to Amherstburg, with the gentlemen who 
 were returning from their parliamentary duties. 
 
 * In the action with the enemy near Fort r.eorgre, May '17, 1813. an 
 Ensign M'Lean vas killed, and Captain Roxburg-h was wounded — both 
 of the Olengary rcginunt, 
 
158 
 
 LIFE AND ronilESPONDE.NCE OF 
 
 T request you will liave the ^'oodnoss to inform me 
 of tlu^ probable time l may expect the honor of seeing 
 Sir CJeorj^e Prcvost, as 1 sliall consider it a duty, 
 wliich I Hiiall execute with th«3 utmoast pleasure, to 
 meet his excellency at Kingston. 
 
 H 
 
 Major-General Brock to the Military Secretary. 
 
 YoKK, March 0, 1812. 
 
 I have the honor to nck?Jowlod<:e tlie receipt of 
 your letter, dated the 'iOth iiltinio, with its ( nclosures- 
 
 \ot having received a !»tatenient of tic Indian 
 goods, whicl) you inform nie his excellency has been 
 pleased to direct the storekeeper-general to forward 
 to the Upper Province, I cannot say how far they 
 are likely to meet the yearly consumption ; })ut I 
 make no doubt that they will be found sufficient to 
 answer every demand, until the arrival of fresh sup- 
 plies from England. 
 
 The storekeeper-general will receive by this oppor- 
 tunity a statement of such articles of Indian presents 
 as 1 conceive indispensably necessary to be lodged, 
 previous to the closi'ig of the navigation, at the 
 several posts in tb.ls province, should appearances 
 continue to indicate an unfriendly dis])osition on the 
 part of the United Stall s. 
 
 Colonel Proctor reports the difHculty In whicli lie 
 is involved, owing to the scarcity of cash to pay the 
 41st regiment, and probably i supply from Quebec 
 may be necessary. Major M'l'herson is under the 
 same embarrassment at Kingston. 
 
 A contractor tor building a schooner at this place 
 has commenced with a strong party of workmen, 
 and is lik-^ly, judging from the model, to complete a 
 superior vessel. 
 
SFK iSAAr imncK. 
 
 1.59 
 
 
 
 
 ; 
 
 
 ; 
 
 
 
 m 
 
 1 
 
 J 
 
 mi 
 
 Colonel Daijntm to Major- General lirnck. 
 
 Qi F.HFX, Mardi 11), 1812. 
 
 I ronrot to find by your Into letters to Sir Cieorgo 
 Provost, tliiit your o\p(!ctntions from your loi:jisl{iture 
 have not been realised to the extent of your well 
 jjjrounded liopes. Sir Gcor^xe, who lb well versed in 
 the fickle and uritnict;i.l»lo disposition of public ns- 
 seinblie:^, ieels more regret tiiiin dis^appointrnent. lie 
 lias a very delicate card to play with his house of 
 ossein ly liere, who would fain keep up the farce of 
 being hifjhlv oharniod antl deli«:hted with his amiable 
 disposition and idfwMe inauncrs : they IiaNC even jjjone 
 the length of assei . lu;^, that these traits in his chi • 
 racter liave alforded them the most entire confidence 
 that, in his hands, the alien act would not he abused. 
 They have, however, taken the precaution of strij)ping 
 it of its very essence and spirit, while last year they 
 passed it without a division, when Sir./ame^, (Craig,) 
 on whose mild and aHable disposition they did not 
 pretend to rely, told them that it could only alarm 
 such as Averc conscious of harbouring seditions de- 
 signs. They liuve pnsi^ed an amendment to the m.litia 
 bill, which, though not all<>rding all that was required, 
 is still a material point gained : 2,<.MI0 men are to be 
 bal]ottcd to serve for three months in two successive 
 summers ; one of iheir strongest obji-ctions was the 
 apprehension of the Canadians contracting military 
 habits and enlisting \\\io the service. 
 
 Sir Georf>e has directed me to inform vou, that he 
 will be ready to render you any assistance in his 
 power to strengthen the Upper Province; but that 
 unless reinforcements arrive from England, (in which 
 case you may depend upon liaving a due proportion 
 put under your immediate command,) his means of 
 doing so are but very limited. His excellency is not 
 sanguine in his expect[*lioii of receiving reinforce- 
 ments this summer; on the contrary, the appearance 
 of hostilities beginning to abate at Washington, and 
 
 f! 
 
 i 1- 
 
 il 
 
 i ^h I; 
 
!('»() 
 
 I,IFE ASD COnRF.SPOVDKNCE OP 
 
 u 
 
 the |il( <l^'c licM out ill the priii 'C rrgciit's 8|»0('(!h of 
 supporting ^vitl^ ouorgy ll;;' . r'♦f^^t in Spain and 
 l*ortu«4ai, arc likely to pre !■ w^ro troops bciiij^ 
 sent to tliis (jiiarUr, unless ii <ui.' urgeJit riei!eH<«ity 
 of doin^ so 'iliouKl appear. I will not ooiniiwnt on 
 American pi>liti(;.s, in which we all appM-ar to arrree 
 that the deep-rooted jealouKV nnd hatred of that peo- 
 ple must in tlie end lend to hostilities, nnd that it 
 behoves us not to lo(»e sinht of an event wiiich, if not 
 prepared to meet, wn shall iind more diHicult to re- 
 ])el ; — umler this ini[)r<>isi()n, Sir CJoorgc is disposed 
 to promote the several plans you have recoiniiiench.'d 
 to him, relatin'4 to the «]jeneral line of eonduet you 
 would wi-^h to adopt in defeiiee of the important pro- 
 vince oonunitted to your charge. If no additional 
 forces he smt out, ho will send up the strong de- 
 tachment of the -list, composed of uncommonly fine 
 vounff men, anil in very jiot)d order : the ixenoral has 
 it also in view to send you a strMn<c detachment of 
 the Xewfoundiand re^inuMit, seleetint^ their seamen 
 ami mariiK^ artificers, who will he most useful in 
 the propiiscil works to be carried on at York ; and 
 here I am apprehensive that the means of au;j;nietiting 
 your strenjjjth must be hounded, unless tlie (ilenjiary 
 TiCvy can be rapidly formed, and Sir (leornc i>^ gan- 
 guine in his expectations of its being speedily placed 
 upon a respectable footin|r: in that ease, it could 
 occupy KintTston and that line of communication 
 betwet.'n the provinces, which you deem so essential 
 to be guarded. This corps will have the very great 
 advantage of .starting with a better selected body of 
 officers than has fallen to the lot of any Fencible 
 regiment in Canada. I hope you will feel inclined 
 to bring forward Shaw as one of your captains, as 
 without your countenance J fear he will find it an 
 arduous task to provide for himself and his brother. 
 The uniform of the corps is to be green, like that of 
 the 9-5th riftes. 
 
 Sir George expressed himself very sensible of the 
 
siH m\A(' miocK, 
 
 101 
 
 policy of till' line of <'oruluct \oh \voiiliI wlsli U» 
 j)iirsuc respecting tho Iiidiiins ; hut rit^ otlior oonsi- 
 dcrutions of tliu f^ivatest |»oliti<;!il tlclirucy fire, so 
 luiinilclv inti rwovc'ii with tlumi, luid ns tho Amcrii'iui 
 goNcrmiKMit are iiliTjuly iiu'lincd to view evory trnns- 
 uction with those people with a jealous and suspicious 
 cv*', iio would riMoiniiuMid the utmost caution and 
 forhcaranco, lest a ditlenrit lino of conduct might 
 tend to inoreasi.' the irritation hotwcon the two govorn- 
 inejits, which it is evidiiitly the wish of (ireat Ikituin 
 to allav. 
 
 Our weather has heen, and still continues for tlio 
 season, si.'verer than ever was recollected hy tho 
 oldesl stagers, and lias rather jnit our llaliliix friends 
 otit of conceit with the line cliinale of C^auada, parti- 
 cularly as Ladv Provost's * health is delicate, and 
 ghe is \ory sensihle of cold.l Mrs. Cator and Mrs. 
 Baynes hog to be most Ixindly rcrnenihered to you. 
 (iencral Howes aci'oiiijiunied KoiiijU to Portugal in 
 the end of December. 
 
 a 
 
 at 
 of 
 >lc 
 I'd 
 as 
 an 
 :t. 
 of 
 
 he 
 
 Major-Gimeral Brock to the Military Srcrctari/ 
 
 YouK, March 24, 1812. 
 
 Tho deputy superintendent-general of Indian af- 
 fairs having represented the serious inconvenience to 
 wdiich the service w<»uld he liable bv adherinii to the 
 new regulations of the commissary-general, in regard 
 to the mode of issuing provisions to Indians, I liorc- 
 with enclose a copy of liis letter for his excellency's 
 consideration. IJis arguments on the subject I con- 
 sider as conclusi\e, for unless lie be allowed to use 
 
 * I.ady I'rcv'ist was the cldo^l danclitir of Major- fioncriil Phipps, of 
 tliL' Uoyal Eiimiu'Ors ; she dird in |S2\. 
 
 + An (ipinioii pirvails in NiTtli Anioricii that tlic climate is undergoing 
 a (gradual change, in conscqiii'niH' of f ho continncd (.•Ifiiiing oi tlu- tort-sts 
 — that there is nr)w less lain tiiid less sncw, and Unit tliii winters arc 
 inihlei and slmrtet than fornicil> j bnt this iiiipressioii docs not ap|)ear to 
 bo );roMndid on a enretnl conr.ie of ohservation, as in the winter of l!*;M-2 
 tin' ice was jtoIiu' i< as thick, and tho year before th( snow a« deep, as 
 within the ineuior' ') man, — AinfricaGru!^riJ[ihicalli/ lUsrriOed. Lon<ion. 
 184,'.. 
 
 il 
 
■"•tmmimmmmmm 
 
 .j^-^i-VaniaUt-i^' ^V^^^M^' ,tu^i^t-''^ 'tiJ., 
 
 K 
 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 ])is (Hscrction, independently of the 'titorference of 
 the otHccr commanding the post, in supplying the 
 Indians M'irh provisions at any time that he may 
 judge expedient, much mischief will accrue to the 
 service. Liotit. -Governor Gore was so sens-ible of 
 the neccssit) of such a discretion being lodged "with 
 the deputy superintendent-general, that he gave direc- 
 tions accordingly- It never was customary for the 
 Indians to receive full rations — they have always 
 been limited to flour and pork ; and any attempt to 
 issue the small articles to ibcm, would only create an 
 unnecessary waste. I have, on these grounds, taken 
 upon myself to direct that no alteration shall take 
 place in the usual mode of issuing provisions to the 
 Indians, until his excellency's pleasure can be received 
 to this communication . 
 
 'I 
 ''I 
 
 Colonel Bay ties to Major-Gcneral Jirock, 
 
 Qvv.BEc, April 2, 1812. 
 
 Many thanks for the very kind and friendly note 
 which accompanied your letter of the 0th ultimo, 
 and I beg you to rest assured, that 1 aui very sensible 
 of your friendly disposition towards me, and feel par- 
 ticularly grateful and flattered by the kind manner in 
 which you have the goodness to express it. 
 
 The Am'^rican j)apers, under tlie head of English 
 news, OS late as the 20th January, give a circumstan- 
 tial account of the death of Sir J . Craig, on Sunday, 
 the 12th, at his house in Charlotte Street. There are 
 too many circumstances corroborating an event which 
 was so greatly to be apprehended, to leave a shadow 
 of doubt of the severe loss that all, who were favored 
 witli his friendship, have sustained. To mo, from my 
 earliest youth, he has been the best and kindest friend, 
 a steady and powerful patron; for few sons ever ex- 
 perienced more truly paternal care and affectionate 
 regard from the best of fathers, than 1 have received 
 at the hands of that best of men. The grief that I 
 
SIR ISAAC UPOCK. 
 
 ia3 
 
 cannot suppress is a selfis^h tribute to my own irrepar- 
 able loss : his release from a state of cruel, linf^ering 
 sufterinor, -whieli, as 1 liad so loiirj witnessed, ho bore 
 with a dcp;ree of fortitude and patient resi<^nation un- 
 paralleled, could have been no cause of regret to Idm, 
 and therefore ought not to be so to those wlio most 
 sincerely loved hini ; but I have so long been accus- 
 tomed to cherish the grateful and aHectionate senti- 
 ments of a highly favored sun to the best of parents, 
 that, however 1 might have been prepared for this 
 inevitable shock, I still feel that there are affections so 
 rooted in our heart?, that this world's changes can 
 never effiice the impression. His memory will long 
 be remembered with admiration by all who knew his 
 merit. As a soldier he had few equals, and no knight 
 had a fairer claim to the proud title of snits penr et 
 sans reprnckc ; while the widow, the orphan, and 
 every distressed object that claimed his aid, will testifv 
 the generous heart that once animated that good and 
 honorable man. 
 
 The ladies of this house always beg to be remem- 
 
 * 
 
 bered to yon, with the sineerest good wishes lor your 
 health and happiness. Mrs. ]iaynes has been plotting 
 with Mrs. Colonel itobertson to elope and pay you a 
 visit, pressing Hcriot* into their service as iheir knight 
 errant. 
 
 Major- General lirock fo Lieut .-Colonel Nichol, Comvianding 
 id Rctjitnent I\orJ'ulk Militia. 
 
 York, April 8, 1812. 
 
 The power which is yested in the person adminis- 
 terinii the cfoverninent, bv the amended act of the 
 militia, passed the last session of the provincial par- 
 liament, of forming two flank companies, to be taken 
 indiscriminately from the battalions, being limited to 
 the end of the ensuing session, would almost deter me 
 from incurring public expense upon a system whicli 
 
 * riie late Major-Gcneral lleriot,C.B.,thcn Captain Ileriot, of thejcith. 
 
^f umm rtii n' . MUin j Umu - 
 
 Cfp*' 
 
 104 
 
 LIFE AND COnrtESPONDF.NCE 01- 
 
 ll 
 
 I 
 
 will cease to operate betbre its utility and cfticacy 
 can \vell bo ascertained. 
 
 Bnt hi.>'ui<r 'anxious at tliis important crisis to orfja- 
 nize an armed force witii a view of* meetin*^ future 
 exigencies, and to demonstrate by practical experience 
 the degree of facility with which the militia may be 
 trained for service, I have to request you to adopt 
 immediate mcfisurcs for forming and coujpleting, from 
 among such men as voluntarily offer to serve, two 
 companies, not to exceed one captain, two subalterns, 
 two sergeant'^, one drummer, and thirty-five rank and 
 file each, in the regiment under vour command. 
 
 You will have the goodness to recommend two 
 captains, whom you conceive the best qualified to 
 undertake this important duty ; the nominating of the 
 subalterns is h^ft to vour discretion. 
 
 Such other regiments as are conveniently situated 
 to receive military instruction, shall have an opportu- 
 nity afforded them of shewing their ardour in the 
 public service, which cannot fail of creating a laud- 
 able emulation among the tlifi'erent corps. 
 
 Assii^ted by your zeal, prudence, aiul intelligence, 
 I entertain the pleasing hope of meeting with very 
 considerable success, and of being able to Ctitablish 
 the sound policy of rendering permanent, to the end 
 of the present war, a mode of military instruction 
 little burdensome to i/idi\idiujls, and every wav calcu- 
 lated to secure a powerful internal defence against 
 hostile aggression. 
 
 Printed rules and regulations, for your future 
 guidance, are lierewith forwarded : the most simjile, 
 and at the same time tlie most uscii'ul, movements 
 have been selected for the practice of the militia. 
 
 Experience has shewn the absolute necessity of 
 adopting every possible precaution to preserve in a 
 proper state the arms issued to the militia, and of 
 guarding against the heavy defalcations which have 
 Jjerotofore occurred. 
 
 You will make applications to the officer com- 
 
!IR ISAAC -HHOCK. 
 
 IG 
 
 VJ 
 
 inaridinG; nt I'ort Erie for tlie nnmbor of arms and 
 accoutremctits wiuitlii'X to coiuplete tlie men actually 
 cniiTiged to seivc hi ilic flank compaiiios ; and rliat 
 offii'cr A\ ill bo iii.sti'iiolcd to comply wiili your rocjui- 
 sitiori, upon a our tr;in-niit(in;; to liini duplicate re- 
 ceipts, one of which is to ho f'i>rwardcd to head quar- 
 ters, that you may become responsible for the articles 
 delivered to y.nir order: at the same time, the most 
 liberal eonstrnctii)n \v\\\ he fjiveu to any representa- 
 tion, accountinif for such contingencies as are inciden- 
 tal to the service.* 
 
 [Tlic leimiiiiing detail'^ in this letter n\v omitted here ] 
 
 i'l{(»Cl,AMAl [ON. 
 
 Province of V^i\h'.i C'nnaJn. 
 
 Isaac Brook, K«(|uiro I'rtsidont, adtiiiiiisteriuf? the 
 (JovfrmiKMil oi" tilt l^rmiiHjf ol Ijiper (;n(ia(Iu, aiul 
 Major- (ieiHTul coiuiuaorliiii; lu3 3Iajesty'8 Forces 
 within the stimc. 
 
 To all whom thoffO I'tesont!^ shnli coaif, (ifreotinp. 
 Wherkas by an act passed iii the fnrtj -fourth year of his 
 jiiajesty's reign, intitulrd. " An act fovi;rantintr to liis innjcsty 
 a certain sum of moiiey tor tlii' lurther < iicouragcmc it of the 
 growth and cultivation of hemp within this province," altered 
 and amendt'd by boveial suh»;(.'(|uont statutes, passed by the 
 legislature of the ssaid ])iovini'r, it is amoni; oUier things 
 enacted, that a( any time or times after the pas>»in^; thereof, 
 it shouUl and Uiigiit bo hiwful tor the governor, lieutenant- 
 governor, or person administerint; tlie t;ov( rnn)ent of the said 
 province, by atul witit the adviee of the exetuitive council 
 thereof, to issue one or niore proclamation or proclamations, 
 and tlierein to nanit- .swrh and ho nuuiy pernons within the 
 said iirovince as fo bin •! all seem meet, as comuussioners 
 for the purchasiii^r of in. veluiiual'le hemp, the ;;rowth of thu 
 said province. Now. k lov/ ye that I, the said Isatie Brock, 
 esqtiire, president, ji(leiiois.terinj4' thf |iOvcrnment of \\\>\ said 
 province, as atortsai I, by virl'.:-? and in pursuance of thj 
 said in part recilc: < .t, and by and with the advice and con- 
 sent of tin eNeeotiv* coutn'il oi' the said province, do hcri'liy 
 issue this niy |iroclainaiiou, and do nominate, constitute and 
 
 * The mensiMre detu'lcd in the prprorimtr tetter pmvod ti very nidicions 
 one, as the fi.uik eoiu' -Miies were organ iircd wliea the w(ir brokv out, fuid 
 thev were n.i'^t leielnl in lSl2-l:t. 
 
 t 
 
 i: 
 
1G(J 
 
 LIFE AVD CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 F I 
 
 II 
 
 appoint the TToiiorable James Baby, of Sandwich, Esquire, 
 ami tlie Iloiiorablo Hicbard ('artwriybt,of Kinf^slon. Es(iMire, 
 Thomas Talbut, of PortTuiliol, Esquire, \>'illiam Allan, of 
 York, Esquire, Josepli Eduards, of Niagara. Jlscjuire, and 
 James Cionlon, of Amher-'tburg, Es(|U)ri', in ihesaid province, 
 respocfively, to be commissioners lor the [lurohasiug- of mer- 
 chantable hetri,), the growth of this province, und (or the 
 carry inij into eflei-t the provisions of the said several acti of 
 the let:,isluture of mis pri'vince. 
 
 Given under my hand and seal at arms, at York, 
 in the province of Lpper Cunaibj, this eleventh 
 day of April, in Ihe year of our Lord one thou- 
 sand ei^ht hiuuhvd ami twelve, and the tifty- 
 second year of Ids niujesty's n-ijiu. 
 
 (Sia;ned) ISAAC liStOCK, President. 
 My command of his honor, 
 
 VVir.LiAM J.vHvis, Secretary. 
 
 Sir J>ime» Snmnnrez, .Hart.,* to 3f<ijor-Gonijral Brock. 
 
 SpiTHEAi), April 14, 181?. 
 
 Linntonnnt, l.e Coutom-f b<^i»ig ordered to joiti his 
 regitneiit in Caiuida, permit me to rocommond him to 
 vour kind notice: he \^ a proiiiiHin<r \'oun«2: otticer, 
 and beiii^' eonnocted wiilt our fiuiiily, makes me inte- 
 rested fur his wolfure. I corifTraiulato you upoji your 
 present di^jtinouishod appointment. A few weeks 
 previous to ray leaving town, I was informed by Lord 
 Liverpool that Governor Gore had leave of absence, 
 but that if he did not return to his comniand, he would 
 be iiapp) in takifio- your services into consideration. 
 Front what his lordship was pleased to add, I have no 
 doubt of your succeeding to the government, in the 
 event of (lovernor Gore obtaininj;' ;iiiy other situation, 
 
 I am on the point of returning to the Baltic, where 
 there appears a strong disposition on the part of Jlus- 
 sia and some of the other powers to resist the aggres- 
 sions of lio'taparte — I trust with well-founded hopes 
 of ultimate success. 
 
 * 'rhc latr Admiral Lord Dc Saumc.rez, G.C.B., &c. 
 
 t The pre'.irit Coloiul l.e Coutiur, militia luilt'dc-i-amp to the queen, 
 in Jorsc> In tin United .Sernire Umrnnl for Ooti Aii i . iHii, Colonel Le 
 Contour liiiy tkscriix'il the winter iimrcli of the JOtlh ie„.iiK'nt, early in 
 181.1, from New Urujiswick to C lUiiulu, 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 1()7 
 
 Major- General Jirin-.k to Sir Gconje Prcvost. 
 
 York, April 2-2, 181t>. 
 
 I Iiatl tlie lio)i<-.r vfstcnlav to receive vour excel- 
 leiipy's letter, cbiteil the '21st ultimo, and 1 entreat you 
 to believe that no act Mitliin niy control shall afford 
 the government ol'lhe Tinted States a legitimate pre- 
 text to adil to a clamour Avhich has been so artfully 
 raised a'^ainst Knglaiid. 
 
 We have reci;ived the account of the renewal of the 
 embarjjfo, and that the niost ri»;oroUi measures have 
 already been adopti'd to prevent the least infringement 
 of it upon the Niagara river. Armed men, in co- 
 loured clothcsi, are continually patrolling alonf^ the 
 shore. Tlieae troojis are stated to hive recently ar- 
 rived, but I have not been able to aboertain whether 
 they belong to the new levy or to the militia. They 
 arc reported to amount to about 3(K>. Colonel 
 Proctor has doubtless written fully on the sul)iect, 
 but unfortunately the letters, by some negligence, 
 were left at Niagara. The accounts which have 
 reached me are not, therefore, so satisfactory as could 
 be wisln;d. An idle boy Is stated to have wantonly 
 fired with ball at the guard ojiposite Queenstown, and 
 it appears that the Americans were guilty of a similar 
 outrage by firing during the night into a room in 
 which a woinaji was siltintr. Luckily no mischief 
 followed, licing detained here upon civil business, 
 I have 1:6111 ('aptain file;;'g over to see how matters 
 stand, and t(» arran<re wiih both civil and military the 
 best means of |)reventing a recurrence of a practice 
 which may easily lead to serious consecjuences. I 
 lu>pe to be at Niagara myself the day after to-morrow. 
 
 1 beg leave to assure yoiir excellency, that 1 receive 
 with no suudl dt'gree. of [)ride the praise bestowed o» 
 my end(^a,vour8 to improve the militia system of this 
 province ; and. aa ihe bill underwent some alterations 
 after the departure of CJolonel MvDonnell, j)articu- 
 larly in limiting its o'poratiou to the end of the ensuing 
 
^ i* 
 
 I 
 
 IGH 
 
 I.IiF. AM) (JOHKESPONDENCE OF 
 
 8Ci*slon, I sliall li.'ivc tlic lionor f,o forward for your 
 exocllenry'f! iiifoniiatiuii tlic hnv ;:> now r'nforcod. I 
 Ir.ivc, by partiitl mid <:,iMf!t! iDoans, ulrrady coniiiioiicod 
 uj fjivc it ojitration, and I make not tlu; least doul)t 
 lliat a siifllcitTit niunbiT will bo found ready to volun- 
 teer to complete the Hank eonipanies ; and 1 here berj 
 leave to call vour exeellency's attention to the clause 
 which authorizes the training of the Hank companies 
 six times in each month ; but as no provision is made 
 for remunerating' the men, I presume to submit for 
 vour exocllenev's indulijent c<insideration, that the 
 oommissaries be instructed to issue rations for the 
 number aotnallv ])rcsent at exercise. These compa- 
 nies E expect will be composed of t)ia best description 
 of inhabitants, who in most eases will have to <^o a 
 great distance to attend parule ; and, nidess this libe- 
 ral provision he idlowijcl, m ill be liable to heavy ex- 
 pense, or be subject to considorablo privations. 
 Accordin<; to my present arranL^emcnts, the number 
 embodied nil) not exceed 7<M), and when the compa- 
 nies ore comph^ted tlnxuij^boiti the ])rovince, tlicy must 
 be calculate:! at 1,8(.K) ; and, as durin<; harvest and 
 the ^v^nter months f^w or no parades will take place, 
 the total expense attending the measure can be of no 
 material consecjuence in a pecuniary j^oint of view, 
 and may in a political light be produoti\e, at this 
 juncture, of considerable benefit. 
 
 I have liko\^ 'se to request that such portion of 
 clothing as your excellency can conveniently Kjiare 
 from tlic king's stores, may be forwarded, to enable 
 me to clothe sneh eonijianics as are the most likely to 
 be called upon duty. 
 
 J am anxious to hear I he real object of the em- 
 bargo; should it be directed solely against England, 
 the probability is that it leads to a war; but should 
 Fv;nice '^e included in its operation, nothing of the 
 kui J need be dreided. 
 
 fn the expecU' .on of having the honor of seeing 
 your excellency Miortly at York, I liiiiii, for the pre- 
 
SIH ISAAC HUO< K. 
 
 169 
 
 sent, the workp of ihf military artificor« at tliis piano, 
 to prep.irini:; a lerujiorrin' iiia<j;a/.ino for tlie rr<cption 
 ofthosparo powdi'i* at 1 dp? (iconic and Kiiisxi^ton, and 
 the excavaticm of the dilch for tlie proposed forlitica- 
 tioris of tlio spot on wliicii tiic t^'overnnu'iit house 
 standi. 
 
 I transmit, for your oxoellcney's perusal, a detailed 
 account of the transatJtiotis whicli led to the imjustiti- 
 ank' censure passed by the house of assembly u|iou 
 Chief Justice Scott. It is written by Mr. Niciiol 
 hiiiisolf; and the \Aatuiih with \vhich ho has expressed 
 his indiirnat.ioii at the wanton evercise of a power yet 
 uudetined. as far as regards this province, is not tliere- 
 forc surprising, I am convinci d that whenever ihc 
 business is brou'^^lu letrally botbre the judg^es, they 
 ■will refuse to sanction the enormous j>ower, under the 
 name of privilcj,''. wjiich tlic house arrucrat(!N to itself. 
 The executive will in that case be ]))accd in a v^ry 
 awkward predicamenl. Mr. Nicliol, having com- 
 menced civil actions against thu sp<'aker and siTgeant 
 at arms for lalse imprisonment, will, should he suc- 
 ceed in olitaininp: damafies. hrinii; the question with 
 doid>le force on flie ttif>i.s, 'I'lic violcn.'i- and igno- 
 rance which, in all probability, will mark the pro- 
 ceedings of the liouse, cannot fail oC producing a 
 dissolution. I npply ibrcibly to ministers for instruc- 
 tions, but shoidd tlicy bo contrary to the ojiinion 
 which the judges ol the court of king's bench have 
 formed of the law, 1 am led to believe they will not 
 influence the members ; theretbre, one of two alterna- 
 tives must be resorted to, either the appointment oi' 
 more docile ja<iges, or the decision of tlu (juesiiun by 
 a British act of parliament. J trust, for the t!an((uil- 
 lity and prosperity of the province, that the latter 
 mode may be preferrrd. I have thus fr«?ely, and jier- 
 haps with rather too miK-h haste to be sutticiently 
 explicit, stated t le ditiic\iltie,s which in all likelihood 
 I shall have to encouiiter ut the next meeliuij; of the 
 legislature. 
 1 
 
 .-umSH^ 
 
mm 
 
 170 
 
 r.riK AND (JOIinESPONDENfE OF 
 
 Should the ofl'cM't of tho emh<irj:jo aj)pcar to he di- 
 rected solely at Great Jlritaiii, I sjhall avail myself of 
 the coiiHdenot placed in nie, and order the purchase 
 of horses, lo enable the car hrifjjade to act in case of 
 necessity. This, heint; a service which requires iiili- 
 nite trouhic and prai'tice to briii^ to any degree oi' 
 perfection, cannot ho too soon attended lo. 
 
 Mfyof' General liroch to Ensign X. Freer, Militan/ Secretary . 
 
 YoKK, April 23, 1812. 
 
 I transmit herewith, for the information of the 
 commander of the forct s, a copy of a letter received 
 frorji the Earl of Liverpool, anthorizint; an increase 
 of .£'200 per annum to tiu^ salary oC Colonel Clans, 
 deputy superintendent ot Indian affairs, to commence 
 from the Isl of January hi'-t. 
 
 The inconvenience to which 'he public service haH 
 already been exposed, owintjj to scarcity of specie; 
 the likelihood of the evil beinii' increased hv the 
 operation of the emburfro ; and the almost total impos- 
 sibility, in the event of war, of gettinjr a sufficient 
 su))ply to detVny the ordinary expenses of govern- 
 ment, have led me to consi "er the best means of 
 obviatin<j so serious a difticultv. And havinir con- 
 suited with some of the principal merchants as to the 
 practicability of introdiicin<j; a paper currency with 
 any probability of success, I think myself warranted 
 in stating that such an arran<iement would, particu- 
 larly in the event of war, be ^^enerally supported 
 thnuigljoiii the provii -e. The old inhabitants under- 
 stand perfectly the ci-culation of paper as a substitute 
 for specie ; and having; been formerly in the hai)it of 
 receiviiif];' the notes ofpjivate individuals, they would 
 not hesitjite takino the more ccitain security of go- 
 vernment, especiallv if convinced tiiat payment could 
 not be made in anv other wav. 
 
 The commissaries ou^ht to he instructed to receive 
 this paper a»5 cash, giving bills in return on Quebec. 
 
Bill ISAAC })|{0( K. 
 
 171 
 
 It is siipposod tlint tlio circulation of 10 or .i'ir>,()()0 
 would imswcr (.-very purposr. No nofe under ols. or 
 above i'ln 'ilinuKl he issufd. The nccouipanyincj 
 leflor from Mr. St-lby, llio receiver-general, will fully 
 elucidate the business. 
 
 I linve to ai'kiiowlodfxo the receipt of your letter <»f 
 tlx! Istof April. Tlie (^ninrnissary-iieiieral will doid)t- 
 less have he^'u appr!/.cd llial Iii>^ inslructions to .NFr. 
 M'Clill arri\ed in liinc to puper.si'de tiioso he receised 
 from me. Too (xnat (lo|)('ndaiiee ou^ht not to bo 
 placed on the surplus of the several species of stores 
 at the dilKert'Dt posts. I have reason to 'hink that at 
 Amherstl)iir<; lu^arly the entir'- <'\cess will he found 
 dania;j;e(l and ini^(frviceahlo. Jii'in;; de^inms to ascer- 
 tain the actual state of the stores at that post, 1 
 directed, a monlh ano, a reijidar survey to he taken of 
 every artii^le, luid the iiiunicni I receive the report, 
 it shall he forwarded to head <|narters. 
 
 Flour has risen to einlit liollars and one lialf per 
 barrel. The etieet of th*^ rMil>ar|jfo is not yet felt. 
 Upwards of 4(),0tMl harn 1-., tin; produt^e of the so\ith 
 of Lake Ontario, will he kepi hy it from the Montreal 
 market. 
 
 Sir George Prevost to Miijnr-Oancral Brock. 
 
 Qi.KRKc, April 30, 1812. 
 
 1 have just heard from Mr. IV'ster that the .secre- 
 tary at war, at Washinnlon, has Irarisnjitted orders to 
 Governor Tompkins, of JSevv York, to send '">()() oi the 
 .state militia to Nia|,nipa ; 500 to the mouth of the 
 Black River, oj)po^.it<' to Kingston ; and (>(X) to 
 Champlain, in cons<r|uence of the hostile appearances 
 in Canada. Mr. I''oster '\^ of opinion the p^overnment 
 of the T'"nitcd States (jalcidates that sornethini^ will 
 happen on the part of these men to j)roduc': a cpiarrel 
 with the British troops, which may lead to retaliation 
 on both sides, and occasion hostilities to commence, 
 as in this way alone, it seems thought, an unjust war 
 
 it 
 
172 
 
 LIFE AND C0RUK3P0NDKNCF. OP 
 
 cnn bp forced on tlio Ani«?nf:an ppople, who are repre- 
 sented as really jivt-rse to ii. \\\ must, tliorofore, 
 use every effort in our power to j>revonf .iny colii^ion 
 from tak ng place between our forces and t'le Ame- 
 rican. 
 
 I bave also received information that the American 
 garrison at Fort Cliicago, no' •; xc-eding i'A) men, los 
 been ordered to Detroit, in ccn-equence ot apprelien- 
 6iond iVom tbe Indians. 
 
 Colonel liaynes to Major- General Brack. 
 
 Qi'KHE( , May 14, 1812. 
 
 T have jrreal atisfaction in tolling vou, that 1 have 
 rej»orted tbe (ilengary light infantry* mo.i.; than 
 complete to the establishiricnt of 4(X) rank and file, 
 and have received Sir George Prcvost'b commands to 
 recruit for a higher ostablis<hmcnt ; indeed, the quotas 
 tbe officers have engaged to fulfil will nearly amount 
 to double that number; and from the \ery great suc- 
 cess that has attended our exertion!?, I have no doubt 
 of succeeding by tbe end of this year. Two officers 
 have divided Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for 
 their buntiug ground, and are permitted to recruit 
 Acadians; and Lieutenant Honald M'Donnell, of trie 
 Canadiuns, proceeds in a few days to Pictou and the 
 highland seftlem\'nts on the coast and gulf: be is an 
 officer that appears to be eminently qualified for that 
 service, and be is sanguine that the proffer of lands in 
 the Scotch settlements of lJ|)per Canada will induce 
 great numbers to entei . 1 am as?ured from various 
 channels that the men 1 have got are generally young, 
 rather too much so, and of a good description, there 
 being very few Yankees amongst them. 
 
 I have long letters from my friends at home, giving 
 n.*' a detailed account of the death of my excellent 
 
 * On the 27tli of May, lfil3, )iear Fort (Jeorpe, the rilcngarj' regiment 
 \v..u 1 captain. I eiisigru, 1 stTKcaiit, 524 iank aud tile, killeil ; 1 captain, 1 
 lieutenant, i ensign, :j serpeants, 2tt xbaV. and file, wijuniled; l lieutenant, 
 2 sergeants, 23 rank and &lc, wouudci and missing'. 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 173 
 
 IS an 
 
 that 
 
 ids in 
 
 iduce 
 
 .rious 
 
 iving 
 client 
 
 glmcnt 
 plain. I 
 tenttut. 
 
 and b('st of friends : the duke of York nat by liis bed- 
 side for lialf an hour the day before he died» and, 
 Soniervillc says, was uxlrrnudv aft'ccled. Sir Junics, 
 (C'rai^r,) on tlu' cofitrary, riillied from the jilcasurc ho 
 had txporicnced fr«»m this condes.i'ndinj^ kindness. 
 Sir James liad a cod'cil written fair tor liis signature, 
 the chief object of which was to add a legacy for a 
 female cousin wiiom he did n<U know to be in exis- 
 tence, and to direct the snh) of die priory and freeliold, 
 wliich C081 r2,«H)«> ij;ui?u;;iH, to enabh^ tht payment of 
 the legacies; this ins-trumcnt, not liaving been exr 
 cuted, will lead to what he most deprecated fi^j 
 wishetl to H jjd, a lawsuit. The heirs at law vriH 
 possess tl • inel )ld ; andWilkie, wIk., besides i!ff,0()O, 
 18 left thi I T i.^uses in London, fiirnitu: -, kc..^ as 
 residn.iry I •, will b(! stripped of the u i ole thni is 
 
 not piveu by spec i. 1 berjuest, to make up th(> legacies: 
 ho will iiowever. I believe, have at least £1(>,(XX> left 
 ■—very ample payment for his services. 
 
 Sir (Jeorge has aimoiHKJod his intention of recom- 
 mending Battersby to be lieutenant-colonel of the 
 Glcngary corps, and ordered him to take tlie com- 
 mand <tf the recruits assembled at Three Rivers. 
 Your major of bri^'adc* will be recommended to suc- 
 ceed to his majority in the king's regiment. 
 
 Major- General Brock to Sir George Prevvsf, 
 
 York, May 10, 181-2. 
 
 1 have this day been honored with your excellency's 
 confidential eoniinunication, dated the 30fh ultimo. 
 
 1 have long since thought that nothing but the 
 public voice restrained the United States government 
 from commencing direci hostilities ; and it is but 
 reasonable to expect that they will seek every oppor- 
 tunity to influence the minds of the peoi)le against 
 England, in order to bring them the more readily into 
 
 * The present Major- General Thomas Evans, C.B., then a captain of the 
 8th foot. 
 
 i^ 
 
IMAGE EVALUATION 
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 £ VS. 1112.0 
 
 11-25 11.4 
 
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 Photographic 
 
 Sciences 
 Corporation 
 
 33 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 
>t^ 
 
 <i 
 
 
 m/.A 
 
■■twww r" Ill -1 ^ 3 ... , .^ ,„ 
 
 l/I 
 
 LIFK AND COKKESPONDENCE OF 
 
 in 
 
 
 t 
 t 
 5 
 
 tlicir measuros. It Avill be my study togmrd a<>;ainst 
 overy ovcrit that can jj^ive thorn any just cau^e of com- 
 plaint ; luit tlie proximity off lie two countries will in 
 all probahiliiy produce collisions which, liowever 
 accidentally hroucfht about, will be represented as so 
 many acts of ai]jgression. It would not surprise me "f 
 thoir first attempt to excite irritation wei'e iho seizinf^ 
 of tlu! islands in the cliannel, to which both countries 
 lay claim : su<^li was represented to Sir James Craig 
 on a former occasion to be their intention. 
 
 In addition fo the force; specified by your excel- 
 lency;, [ understand that six comj»anies of the Ohio 
 militia are intended for Detroit. Our interests with 
 the Indians will materially suffer, in consequence of 
 these extensive preparations being allowed to proceed 
 with impunitv. I have ahvavs considered that the 
 reduction of Detroit would be a signal for a cordial 
 co-operation on the part of the Indians; and if we be 
 not in sufficient force to effect this object, no reliance 
 ought to be placed in them. 
 
 About forty regulars were last week added to the 
 
 garrison of Niagara, and by all accounts barracks are 
 
 to be immediately constructed at Black Rock, almost 
 
 opposite Fort Erie, for a large force. 
 
 I returned three days af;o from an excursion to 
 
 *■ 
 Fort Erie — the Grand Ri\er, where the Indians of 
 
 the Six Nations are settled — and back by the head of 
 the lake. Every gentleman, with whom 1 liad an 
 opportunity of conversing, assured me that an exceed- 
 ingly good disposition prevailed among the people. 
 The flank companies, in the districts in which they 
 have been established, were instantly completed with 
 volunteers, and indeed an almost unanimous disj)osi- 
 tion to serve is daily manifested. I shall proceed to 
 extend this system now I have ascertained that the 
 ]jeople are so well disposed — but my means are very 
 limited. 
 
 I propose detaching HX) rank and file of the 41st 
 regiment to Amherstburg, almost immediutcly. 
 
SIB ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 175 
 
 Major-Gcncral Brock to the Military Secretary. 
 
 York, May 10, 1812. 
 
 I have hud the lionor to rccoive 3our letter of the 
 19tl) ultimo. I thought Mr. Giinioro preiiuitiire in 
 reprost'ntinp- to Lieut. -Colonel ,*^t. George the neces- 
 sity of entering into contracts for the purchase of 
 flour and pork> and stated n)y opinion accordingly ; 
 but 1 did not imagine that the (lireciions I gave for 
 the purchase of Indian corn could he considered as 
 authorizing and Justif\ ing ^he measure. 
 
 It was far from my intention to recommend that 
 any officer of the Indian dep;Mtment shoidd possess 
 an unrestrained power in the issue of |)rovisions ; 
 but 1 thought that partial issues, at the discretion of 
 tlie head at Fort George and Amherstburg, such as 
 Lieut. -Governor Gore sanctioned, might he continued 
 without risk or detriment to the service. The case 
 stands thus : an hour is fixed l)y the commander of 
 the post for the issue of pre«ents and provisions, his 
 other avocations naturally precluding his further at- 
 tendance durinti the day, unless something vcrv extra- 
 ordinary should arise. Such Indians, therefore, as 
 arrive after that time, must either go withoiit food, or 
 be supplied by the officers of the department at their 
 own cost. To obviate this individual inconvenience 
 the order was given, i have not nnfrequ.mtly wit- 
 nessed every mor'=;el of pork in Mr. Claus' house 
 consumed by the subsequent arrival of Indians; and 
 he would forfeit every claim to their good will if lie 
 allowed them to rest witliout a meal. I have been 
 thus prolix, .ns I am unwilling that the commander of 
 the forces should think I over prof)Osc«.l that whrdi 
 was unreasonable, or likely to involve, by removing 
 every degree of control, the safety of the troops. 
 
 -J 
 
17(; 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 i i 
 
 Colonel xicnjnes to Major-Gcneral Brock. 
 
 Quebec, May 21, 1812. 
 
 Sir George ha^ allowed me to make the foUowini^ 
 extracts from a dispntch of Mr. Foster's, dated the 
 28th April, which 1 do in the minister's own words : 
 "The Americnn government aifect now to have taken 
 every stej) incumbent on the executive as preparatory 
 to war, and leave the ultimate decision to congress, 
 as vested by the constitution in that body, which is 
 fluctuating as the sea : there is a great party in the 
 house of representatives for war, cornposetl principally 
 of the western and southern states — members who 
 have little to lose, and may gain, while the northern 
 and eastern states are vehement against it. The em- 
 bargo seems to have been resolved upon, because at 
 the moment they did not know what else to do. The 
 cabinet wished only sixly days — the senate made it 
 ninety. Our government leaves no room to ex|3ect a 
 repeal of the order in council, yet they wait for the 
 return of the Hornet. Somethinf; decisive must then 
 be known ; perhaps when they become completely 
 convinced of Bonaparte's playing upon them, it will 
 end in declaring against France. The question of 
 adjournment vvas lost, notwithstanding there was an 
 absolute majority known a few raiinites before in its 
 favor. The ruling party are split into many ; the old 
 revolutionists, jealous of younger men taking a lead. 
 The army cann-^t, I conceive, soon be filled up — they 
 jret few recruits." 
 
 You will have heard, long ere you receive this, that 
 the 49th regiment is ordered home ; the 41st are by 
 the same authority to return to Europe, but Sir 
 George will not, under existing circumstances, at- 
 tempt to reli; the posts in Upper Canada, so that 
 there will be immediate change in your quarter. 
 8ir George ^-egrets that he has not field officers of the 
 description you require to command at Kingston and 
 Amherstburg. The only prospect of relief in that 
 
sin rSAAC BROCK. 
 
 177 
 
 rospt'Ct which he lias in view, is from tho arrival of 
 the absent inspecting field otiicers. 
 
 The arrangement you jiropose respeetinrr the unfor- 
 tunate (.lelin(|iienis of the 41st reoiracnt, will perfectly 
 meet the approbaticn of Sir (reorp^e, who approved of 
 your not forwarding the resiijnation of the younger 
 members, or indeed of any, if they are worthy of con- 
 sideration.* 
 
 Kempt has brought his name into notice in the as- 
 sault of La Picurina, an outwork at Badajoz, where 
 he commanded, being on duty in the trenches. The 
 Glengary lc\y goes on swimmingly. 
 
 Sir George Provost to Major- General Brock. 
 
 Qu£Hi:c, May 27, 1812. 
 
 I was much y)lcased to tind, by your letter of the 
 22d ultimo, you had taken precautions to prevent any 
 act occurring vithin vour control that should afford 
 the government of the United States a legitimate pro- 
 text to add to the clamour artfully raised by it against 
 England. 
 
 The circumstance which happened to the guard 
 stationed opposite to Queenstoun, arrived here much 
 exaggerated. Your account of it silenced the idle 
 reports in circulation. 
 
 I agree with you in deploring the iirnitatiun, until 
 the end of the ensuing session, in the operation of the 
 militia act for Upper Canada; but as in the event of 
 hostilities it might not be ])0ssible to convene the 
 legislature, then the bill would in all probability con- 
 tinue in force during the war, provided you were not 
 induced to make an exertion for a more perfect law. 
 
 i i 
 
 I I 
 
 if 
 
 * We learn from the United Service Magazine for March, I846, p. 444, 
 that: some young officers ol the list, liavin;^ indulgoil at Fort George to a 
 iate hour at the mess table, got into a squabble amongst theiusolves, 
 which was of course reported to (.jeneral Uroi-k. The ott'cnce was visited 
 by the expulsion of one or two, and a "^evcre reprimand to the remainder. 
 But judging from the al)ove letter, the general seems to have acted with 
 every possible lorbearauce, 
 
 1* 
 
178 
 
 LIFE AND CORKESI'ONDKNCE OF 
 
 * f 
 
 Colonel Baynes liuvinir inforniprl me lie had an 
 op])ortunity of cominunicatin*'' with you more expedi- 
 tiously than by post,, 1 des^irod him to make you 
 acqi'aintod with the peaceful iulelliixence [ had just 
 rceeived from Mr. I'oster ; but ahhon<j:;lj it comes 
 with a <j^ood deal of reservation, still it warrants rne in 
 reconimeiidinji; the most rinid economy in carrvinii; 
 on the king'i? service, and in avoiding all expense that 
 has not become absolutely necessary, as it Is witli the 
 utmost difficulty money can be raised for the ordinary 
 service. 
 
 I am apprehensive that I caniiot look forward to the 
 pleasure o^' seeing; you before the end of August, as 
 my presence in the province is become indispensably 
 necessary during the first operation of the new militia 
 law. 
 
 Many thanks for the particiilars of the transaction 
 which led to the censure passed by the house of as- 
 sembly on Chief Justice Scott. 
 
 'I 
 
 •6 j. 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 I7f^ 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 It will be assisfini^f the reader, ere we proceed to 
 detail the operations at the coniiiiencement of liostili- 
 ties, to pcive a brief desciiptioii, not only of the lakes 
 and straits which conslifiitc the water boundaries of 
 Upper Canada, and of the towns and military posts 
 distributed alonn; thi-ni, as existiiii:: in the year 1812, 
 but also of the territory of MiehiLjan, which was sur- 
 rendered, with Detroit, to Major-General Brock. 
 The distances are trix en in British statute miles. 
 
 The most remote piece of ^^ater on this frontier 
 worthy of notice is Lake Superior, a body of fresh 
 water unequalled by any u|)on the face ot the globe. 
 Lake Superior is of a triano'ular form ; in lennth 370, 
 in breadth IGO, and in rircunit( '-ence about 1,550 
 miles. The water is nearly 800 ft-et deep, so that its 
 bottom is about 170 feet below the surface of the 
 Atlantic. It contains five larire islands, one of which, 
 Ide Iloyalc, is said to he nearly \i%^ miles long by 40 
 broad. The lake is well stored with fish, particu- 
 larly trout, white fish, and sturgeon. (Jut of Lake 
 Superior a very rapid current flows, over immense 
 masses of rock, alonir a cliannel of 40 miles in length, 
 called St. Mary's River, into Lake Huron, at the 
 head of which is the British island of St. Joseph, 
 containing a small garrison. This isolated post is 
 distant about 350 miles by water from Amherstburg, 
 which contained the nearest British garrison. 
 
 Luke Huron is in length, from west to east, 220 
 miles ; in breadth, 200, and in cii cumference, through 
 
 r I 
 
 1; 
 
 i 
 
 !>tii*-M »■: y^nr^-n 
 

 f I 
 
 ! h , 
 
 180 
 
 UF£ ANP COKUrSPONDFrrCK OF 
 
 its iiumrroiis ciirviilurcs, about 1,100 miles. It ia I'li 
 many jtarls 4O0 foci iu dcptli. I'Acept thr island of 
 St. .Jo>(>j)Ii, and ojie or two tradinj^ establislinionls 
 belonf]jin«,f to tlio north-west com puny, the sliores of 
 this li)lso uert in a state of nature., or inhabited only 
 by IndiiiTH. \\ hen the Amcriciuis were allowed to 
 obtain the dominion ot' Lake Erie, which thev did in 
 181 'J, it was determined at tlie close of the following; 
 year to create a naval force on Lake Huron in the 
 ensuinjf season, (181^"),) as possessing nmch greater 
 eeenrily for tiie construction of vessels than I^iike 
 Erie, whei'c the enemy could at an> time destroy 
 them, in the same manner as their vessels ought to 
 have been previously destroyed by the British. Lake 
 Michigan, which lies wholly M'ithin the United States, 
 is connected with Kake Huron at its western angle 
 by a strait () miles long by 4 miles wide, in the 
 centre of which is tlie island of Michilimackinac, 
 (usually called Mackinaw by the Americans,) be- 
 longing to the United States, and forming an excel- 
 lent jxiiv.t (Vappu'i for military or naval operations 
 in that quarter. Tin's island is about J) miles long 
 and 9 miles in circumference, and, like St. Joseph, 
 its British neighbour, it possessed a small fort and 
 garrison. Michilimackinac is very beautiful, and, 
 wlien seen from a distance, has the form of a turtle 
 sleeping on the water.* It possesses now no large or 
 lofty timber, but a perpetual succession of low, rich 
 groves. There is on the eastern coast a natural arch 
 or bridge, where the waters of the lake have under- 
 mined the rock, and left a fragment thrown across a 
 chasm 200 feel high. By the treaty of the IDth of 
 November, 17U4, Michilimackinac, Detroit, Fort 
 
 * "Tlie land, in the centre of this island, is hi^h, and its form some- 
 what resembles that of a turtle's baek. Mackinac, or Mickinae, signifies 
 a titrtli', arid inirhi {mis/ii', or vtist^i, signifies gn-ut, as it does also, ,s'(?i'(;rrt/, 
 or mami. Tlie connnon inteiprutatiuri of the word Mii hil'unwkiiiuc, is 
 the fireyt Turtle." — Jli-nri/'s Ti-inwU and Advent ur>'s in Canada and the 
 Indian Tcrntorivn, tietivi'en t/ie i/furs 17i)(> md l"fi- 
 
 III Henry's time, fort Michiiiniaekinae was situated on a Strait, and 
 distant about two leagues from the island of tlie same name. 
 
SIR ISAAC UROrK. 
 
 181 
 
 Miami, Fort Niun;iira, and Oswc^^o, vvero ceded to 
 the Amcriciini*, as within tiic hoiindarv lines assijj;nod 
 by tiie treaty of peace to llie l.'nitcd States; and 
 they were ^ivcn up in 171K>, when Miehilimaci\inao 
 was stren'j;th'>ned and uiarrisjoned bv a delachinent of 
 General Wayne's army. While in the possession of 
 the British, this island was the <reneral rendezvous of 
 the North-West traders, and the Indians they suj)plied. 
 Here the outfits were furnished for the countries of 
 Lake Miehij^an and the Mississipi, Lake Superior, 
 and the North -W'csi ; and here the returns of furs 
 were collected and embarked for Montreal. Lake 
 Huron flows throiip;!) the river St. Chiir, whieb is in 
 length about 3^^ miles, into Lake St. Clair, a small 
 circular lake 30 mik-, '.r; diameter. At the entrance 
 of the river St. Clair, the Americans have now u 
 fort (Gratiot) and garrison ; and it is only recently 
 (I84.i">) that orders have been <;iven to fortify Port 
 Sarnia,* on the opposite or Rritish side. The beau- 
 tifnl river Thames, in I'pper Canada, opens into 
 Lake St. Clair, and it was along the banks of this 
 river that Major-General Proctor retreated in 1813. 
 From Lake St. Clair, the stream, through the De- 
 troit, navigable for ves'^els not drawing more than 
 fourteen feet water, pursues a course of 29 miles into 
 Lake Erie.f 
 
 Upon the western side of the Detroit is situate the 
 American town of that name. Within 4 miles below 
 Detroit, upon the opposite side of the strait, is the 
 British village of Sand-iicb, then containing scarcely 
 fifty houses; and 10 ::i\\es lower, and 3 from the 
 termination of the strait, is the British village of 
 Amherstburg, then containing about one hundred 
 bouses, and a fort wlicre a small garrison was main- 
 tained, and where the principal vessels for the service 
 
 * Sarnia is the ancient name of ttie island of (ruernsey, and the Upper 
 Canadian Sari>ia was so named by Sir Jolm C'olbornc, {the present Lord 
 Seaton,) who was formerly lieiitenantgovcrnor of Guernsey. 
 
 t "The mouth of the Detroit river, in which there are several islands, 
 forms a safe and commodious hai'bour."— //owi.sc;'«'s Upper Canada, 
 
 
 I ; 
 If 
 
M 
 
 l^i 
 
 • \ 
 
 1S2 
 
 LIFE AND COHKKSPONDF.NCF OF 
 
 of Lake Erio wore constructed. Tlio fort, mIu'cIi 
 was never coniphUod, m;is ahove tlic town, and most 
 injiidiciouslv jilaced. The proper site for tin.' fortiH- 
 cations is tlie island of /y^/.s lila/ic^ immediately 
 opposite to A.mliorstl)iirg, as tills island comniaiids 
 tlic iiioutli of tlio rivf-r, and tlie cliajintl on either 
 side. In tlio event of another \var, or preparatory to 
 it, this island shoiiUl b( fortified, as a hattery at eaeh 
 end would jirevont the American vessels from pa«sinfi' 
 up and down the river.'' The American villafjo of 
 BroNvnstown stands nenvly opposite to Amhersthnrcf, 
 •vvliich is distant from Quebec by th<^ nearest route 
 fully 800 miles, from Fort Erie about 2f")0 miles, 
 and from York 310 miles, all by water. 
 
 Lake Erie, from Mianiis Bav lo the entrance of 
 tlie straits of Niagara, is in lenj^fb »257 miles, in 
 breadth 04, and in eircumteronce about 700 miles. 
 The average depth of water is not more than seventy 
 feet, but a very rocky })ottom renders the anchorage 
 unsafe in blowinc; weatlier. Except Vmherstbur*;, 
 the British had no harbour or naval depot upon Lake 
 Erie, while tlie Americans had two or three excellent 
 ones. J*res(jf("ifi' harbour is situate on the southern 
 side of the lake, not far from the entrance to the 
 Niajifara. It is a safe statioTi, but has a seven feet 
 bar at its entrance, as indeed have all the other har- 
 bours on this lake. The town, named Erie, is situate 
 on the south side of the harbour, and contains a dock 
 yard, in which the Americans built their Lake Erie 
 fleet. To the eastward of tlie town stands a stronij 
 battery, and on the point of the Peninsula formin;]^ 
 the harbour, a block-house, for tlie protection of this 
 naval depot. The rivers llaisin, Sandusky, and 
 Miami, (or Maumee,) the scenes of important opera- 
 tions during- the war, discharge themselves into Luke 
 Erie. 
 
 On the north-western side of tlie entrance to the 
 Xiagara river stood, at a distance of 5u0 miles from 
 
 * United Servii-e Magazine, June, i845, 
 
8IK ISAAC IIHOCK. 
 
 IKJ 
 
 Quchcn, tlir Britisl) fort Eric, at best a very innon- 
 sidorahlo work." Nonr to tlio ssanu.' outlet from Lake 
 Erie is .IJulDilo Crcrk, on the hordcr of wliicli is 
 biiill tlie Airiurieaii villa;j;<> of Biiflalo ; and about 
 2 miles beyond it, Blaek Hock, \vliero there Mas a 
 battery, and a ferry, about H<.K) yards aeross, to 
 Bertie, In I'pijer Canada. The Niagara proceeds at 
 II (]uiek rale |»ast several small and one lar|j;e island, 
 called (rnnulc J.slc, 10 miles lon*:^ ; about 2 miles 
 below Avliieh, on the Amerieaii yide, and distant 
 2 miles i'roni the Falls, is the site of Fort Sehlosser. 
 At about the s^iinie distance from the Falls, on the 
 opposit(! side, stajidiii^- oti the northern bank of the 
 river ('hippawah,' is the liritish vilhige of the same 
 name, distant from F'orl ]']rie 17 miles. Chip))a\vah 
 consisted ehieil)' of storehouses ; and near it was a 
 small stockaded ^^ork, called Fort Chippawah. At 
 the distance of '2'-\ njiles from the entraiu'e to the 
 Nia'^ara, is (loat Island, about half a mile long, and 
 wliieli extends to the precipice that gives rise to the 
 celebrated Fulls. The larger body of water iiows 
 between Upper Canada and Gont Island, ai- the upper 
 end of which island the ra]>i(Is, or broken water, 
 commence. Here the stream passes on both sides of 
 the island, over a bed of rocks and precipices, with 
 astonishing rapidity; till, having descended more 
 than fifty feet in tlie distance of half a mile, it falls, 
 on the British side 1;">7, and on the New York side 
 102, feet perperulicularly. The roar of the waters 
 can sometimes he lieard at the distance of forty miles. 
 From the cataract, the river is a c jntinued rapid, 
 half a mile in width, for about 7 miles. At this 
 point stand, o[>posite to each other, the villages of 
 Queenstown and Lewistown. The latter, situate upon 
 the American side, contained, till destroyed as a 
 retaliatory measure, between forty and fifty houses. 
 
 * There is at prtseiit no dcftnco or military station at Fort Erie, and 
 tlie position has been abandoned for many years. 
 
 t Chippawali is the English corruption of the Indian tribe Ojibwah. 
 
'■ i 
 
 I I 
 
 . I 
 
 1H4 
 
 MFE AND rOUUESPONDENCr OF 
 
 I! 
 
 iihf 
 
 Al about six miles and ft liiilf IVotn (^iircnstown. utmv 
 to the river side, stood Fort (ieor|.r(', tlieri cori'^tructod 
 of earthen rniupnrts imd )tidisudes of cedar, und 
 niomitin*^ no h(?avicr metal than O-ponnders. It was 
 a low fi(|uare fort, '.vithout tower or hlork-liousc of any 
 d<'9cri|)ti(»n, cxcrptinpr lo^, loop-holed barracks ; an<l 
 it was so i)adly pla<3ed, that it could be enfiladed 
 upon every face by the enemy's shot.* Aboiu, liaif a 
 milt' below Fort George, and close to the borders of 
 Lak' Ontario, stood the beautiful and flonri&hin<:r 
 town of Xiuf^ara, or Newark, which wat' burnt by the 
 Americans, and which, before York was built, was 
 the seat of government for tlK> province. 
 
 Directly opposite to Niagara, or Newark, upon a 
 neck of land prqioctin^ partly across the mouth of 
 the river, which is here 870 yards in width, stands 
 the AmericJin fort Niui^ara, tl»c scene of so niany 
 conflicts. It was ])uilt by the French in ITOl;! 
 taken by the English in 1750; | and delivered to the 
 United States in 179(5. Fort Nia^^ara, unlike any of 
 the Canadian forts alonp; that frontier, was a ref;^ular 
 fortification, built of stone on the land side, with 
 breast works, and every necessary appendaf]:;e. It 
 mounted between twenty and thirty beavy pieces of 
 ordnance, and contained a furnace for heating sbot.§ 
 
 * Fort (icorge is now in a very delajiidatcd state, and can scarcely be 
 said to he upliold as a military post, ainioiig:li n few soldiers are still 
 (,'uartered in it. 
 
 t According: to Knox, London, irO!),' Uoatson, (London, Jrgfi,) and 
 James; hut according to Bucking-ham, in 17-25. There was probably a 
 French trad'rf; postal Nia^rara even earlier than the last nit med period, 
 and it was probably secured by pickets or other defences. 
 
 t Brifyadier Prideaux, commandinur the beHieKing anny, was killed on 
 tho 19th July, while walking in the trenches, by a eohorn shot, "care- 
 Icijsl)- l)y his own p^unucr," and was the first British general officer slain 
 sn Canada. The I'rench garrison, consisting of between 6 and 700 men, 
 was sent to New York. 
 
 ^ A little tract published in 1757, speaking of Niasrara, Hays. 
 
 " Niagara commands, in a manner, all the interior parts of North 
 America, and is a key, as it were, to that whole conunent — opens or 
 obstructs a communication with all the natives of North America, the Six 
 Nations, Ohios, Shawanees, Miamis, Twightwies, Ulinois, Pontewatimis, 
 Nadouessians, Hurous, Utawas, Messesagues, and many others — awes 
 and commands all those people — lies in the midst of the extensive terri- 
 
Srii ItlAAC OROCK. 
 
 IS. J 
 
 Tlifj strait of Xiapira is nhoot 'X) miles in lon^ili ; 
 and its shores, ot» hnih sides, wcrt', luoro or loss, tl>o 
 Hec'ues (jf iuMive wurfiirc; diiriii<x tin; whole period of 
 liostillties. Luke Oiitiirio, to which the striiit loads, 
 is in len«j;ih, Irorn west to east, l^o, in hroudth r>0, 
 ant! in eireiinifcreneo 4(M) niilcs. The depth of water 
 varcs ninch, it heinrj in sonn? places three or four, in 
 others fifty lailiotn'^ : lowurdh the oentre, it is ahout 
 1)<M) feet, or 1()0 fathoms in depth. York harhour 
 lie. on the north side of Lake Ontario; is nearly 
 circular, of alumt a mile and a half in diameter, and 
 foriMf'd hy a narrow peninsula extcndinj.'; to Giitraltar 
 I*oinl, upon which a hlock-kouse has heen erected. 
 The town of York, (now called Toronto,) the iidiint 
 capital of Upper Canada, is in lat. 4.'V' 41)' north, and 
 lonn;. 78" IJO' west, and is di^^tani from Fort Cieorge 
 by water ahout 30 miles. 'J'lie fuihiic buildings con- 
 sisted of a government house, the house of assembly, 
 a church, court-house, and a gaol, witli numerous 
 stores belonging to government. In the spring of 
 171)4, when the site was fixed upon for building the 
 new capital, the spot contained a solitary Indian 
 wigwam, and was covered by a dense forest. In six 
 years irom that time, Y'ork had assumed a respect- 
 able aj)pearaTice, although in 18Vi it did not contain 
 above 8(X) inliabitants. In 1845, the population ex- 
 ceeded •2(),0()(). 
 
 Kingston harbour ii? situate at the eastern extremity 
 of Lake Ontario. It contains good anchorage in 
 
 tories of tlip Si\ Kations, and oommi.mls their l)eRver eouiury entirely — 
 seciin^s then fur trtuU', ami nil the nthcr nilantl trade ot North America. 
 "It eciniinanils all the K'reat lakes, and secures the navif^ation oi tliem, 
 that extends 12 or l,:i()0 miles —v'l'vents oi (secures the junction of the 
 two French colonies in Canada and Loui.-.iana — cuts off or maintains 
 their passaire to the ii\er Oliio, Mississipi, l,al-e Kne, le IJetroit, Sandoski, 
 Miainis, Kort St. Joseph, Illinois, Kaskaskis, i<cc. — stops the farther pro- 
 gress of the English or of the 1 rench 'whichever arc possessed of it, in 
 North America — lays our colonics open to the inroads and incursions 
 both of the French and Indians — whilst it would secure them from both 
 in our hands - and unite the frontiers of our northern and southern colo- 
 iiies together, for theii mutual defence and security, which might all bt 
 secured by this one ])lace, while they could not hy many hundreds 
 without it." 
 
Br 
 
 10 
 
 i - f ' 
 
 ^m 
 
 LIFE AND CORRF.SPONDEN'CE OF 
 
 tl)r6e fatlinms wafer, nnrl was defended by a small 
 battery of 9-pounders on ^Iississaj]fii Point, and ano- 
 tlier, of the same metal chiefly, on Poir.t Frederick. 
 Tlie town, whieii was the largest and most populous 
 in the Upper Province, contained about 370 houses, 
 including several buildit)gs and stores belonging to 
 government. Its direct distnnce from York is 155 ; 
 from Montreal, in an opposite direction, 195; and 
 from Quebec 375 miles. Opposite to, and distant 
 about half a mile from, the town, is a long low 
 peninsula, forming the west side of Navy Bay, the 
 principal naval depot of the British on this lake, and 
 where the ships of war were constructed. 
 
 Of the Ainerican military posts on Lake Ontario, 
 the principal one is .Sackett s Harbour, distant from 
 Kingston, by the ship channel, 35 miles. The har- 
 bour is formed by a peninsula of limestone rock, in 
 many places not more than one rod wide, whicli 
 perfectly shelters a sheet of water containing about 
 ten !'.cres. From the north-west runs out a low point 
 of land, upon which was the dock yard with large 
 storehouses, and all the buildings requisite for such 
 an establishment. Upon this point there was a strong 
 work called Fort Tompkins, having within it a block- 
 house two stories high ; on the land side it was 
 covered by a strong picketing, in which there were 
 embrasures ; at the bottom of the harbour was the 
 village, containing about seventy houses ; and, to the 
 southward of it, a large barrack, capable of contain- 
 ing 2,0(H) men, and generally occupied by the marines 
 belonging to the fleet. Towards the middle of 1814, 
 there were three additional Avorks, Fort Virginia, 
 Fort Chauncev, and Fort Kentuckv, as well as seve- 
 ral new block-houses ; and the guns then mounted 
 upon the different forts exceeded sixty.* 
 
 The great Canadian lakes lie in four terraces, dif- 
 fering in elevation, of which Lake Superior occupies 
 
 * JaiiHs' Military Occurrences of flu; late War between Great Britain 
 and the United States, 2 vols. London, 1818. 
 
sm ISA^c' iJKOCK. 
 
 18: 
 
 the liigliPfit, its surface beinj^ G27 feer, above the sea 
 level. The second terrace contains Lakes Michi«;an 
 and Huron, which are oOo feet above the sea level. 
 Luke Erie is on a terrace only 30 feet lower, but 
 Lake Ontario is 330 feet lower than Lake Erie, its 
 surface he'u\<f only 234 feet above the sea. These 
 lakes, as already stated, are connected by narrow 
 channels ; but it is oidy the channel between Lake 
 Huron and Lake I'^iie that is navio;able, as the bed of 
 this channel descends only 30 feet in 90 miles. These 
 inland seas are never entirely frozen over, a id the 
 islands with which they abound, as well as their 
 shores, aiford convenient harbours for those who 
 navigate them, and the} will one day be the scenes of 
 an active commerce, and })robably of fierce contests 
 for naval supremacy or maritime ri<i;hts.* 
 
 The greatest length of the Michigan territory, from 
 south-east to north-west, is TKK) miles, and its whole 
 area is estimated at 59,700 square miles. The lake 
 coast has been computed at 1,400 miles. The country 
 was then chiefly in the possession of the Indians, and 
 the white population amounted l)y the previous cen- 
 sus to about 5,000. It is bounded on the south by 
 Ohio and Indiana, and includes two peninsulas of 
 unequal size, in addition to which are numerous 
 islands, constituent parts of the territory. The 
 most important of tliese islands is Michilimackinao, 
 already described. Detroit, the chief town of the 
 territory, is situated on the right bank of the strait, 
 10 miles below Lake St. Clair and 28 miles above 
 Lake Erie, and is one of the oldest places in Canada, 
 liaving been settled by the French in the year 1702. 
 It then contained above two hundred hou'^es, many 
 of brick, and upwards of 1,200 inhabitants. In the 
 rear of the fort was an extensive common, skirted by 
 boundless and almost impenetrable forests. We learn 
 from Morse's American Geography, on the acknow- 
 ledged authority of Cfovernor Hull, that Fort Detroit, 
 
 * America Grographicalli/ Described, London, 1845. 
 
 
 
 1^ 
 
 u 
 
188 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 ;:* I ', 
 
 in 1810, was a regular work of an oblong figure, 
 <• covering about an acre of ground. The parapets 
 were about twenty feet in height, built of earth and 
 sods, with four bastions, the whole surrounded with 
 pallisadoes, a deep ditch, and glacis. It stood imme- 
 diately back of the town, and had strength to with- 
 stand a regular siege, but did not command the 
 river." And as the American government had been 
 for some time secretly preparing for war, it may be 
 safely inferred, that in the meanwhile this fort had 
 been rather strengthened than permitted to fall to 
 decay ; and that it was at least as tenable in 1812 as 
 when Governor Hull, two years before, gave the 
 preceding description of its defences. The town of 
 Detroit is in lat. 42^ 15' north, and long. 82° 33' west, 
 and the winters are comparatively short. 
 
 About the y^ar 17G3, Detroit, then indeed the far 
 west, and coDtaining a garrison of 300 raen, was 
 nearly captured by stratagem by Pontiac, the cele- 
 brated Indian chief of that day, who waged war 
 against the British, and whose alliance, before the 
 capture of Quebec, by Wolfe, in 1759, was anxiously 
 courted both by the French and English. 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 189 
 
 CHAPTER VITl. 
 
 The discussions whicli liad been so Iohj:; pending 
 between Great Britain and the United States, as- 
 sumed, during the \Yinter of 1811-12, a very serious 
 aspect. But many did not believe that the latter 
 power was incb'ned to proceed to extremities ; wliile 
 others, who foresaw tiiat it only awaited a favorable 
 moment to invade the Canadas, which were supposed 
 ripe for revolt, and would therefore fall an easy 
 conquest, were prepared to expect what soon after 
 followed, a declaration of war against Great Britain. 
 
 As this was not the first time that the American 
 government h.id proceeded to menaces, ard a- the 
 northern and eastern states were known to be averse 
 to hostilities, the British ministry, unmindful that 
 coming events usually cast their shadows before 
 them, were deluded into a belief that peace would 
 yet be maintained.* Mr. Foster, the English minister 
 at Washington, seems to have partaken of this delu- 
 sion, for it does not appear that he had taken any 
 precautionary measures to convey to the governor of 
 the British North American Provinces the earliest 
 intelligence of the declaration of war, on the 18th 
 June, 1812 ; and, had it not been for the prudent 
 foresight of the agent of the British north-west com- 
 pany at New York, who sent the intelligence by 
 express, it is possible that the first intimation would 
 
 * See post, Sir George Prevost's letter to Major-General Brock, Sep- 
 tember 14, 1812. 
 
 y 
 
 i! :■ 
 
 HMtk'HirvkvBW* a. 
 
 KAnta 4ti!Jt.K-.^ 
 
61 f • 
 
 I 
 
 I; 
 
 to. 
 
 }: 
 
 /- 
 
 100 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 liavc been received from the mouths of the American 
 cannon. To Upper Canada Mr, Foster transmitted 
 no notice wliatever of the war, and Major-General 
 Brock was left to learn it officially through the cir- 
 cuitous and dilatory channel of the o-overnor-gcncral. 
 Happily, individual diligence made up for this un- 
 pardonable neglect ; and the war was known by 
 
 X private expresses at Montreal, in Lower, and at Fort 
 George, in Upper Canada, on the 24tli of June, or 
 in six days after Its declaration at Washington. 
 
 At this j)eriod the exigencies of the Peninsular 
 war, which chiefly depended upon English arms and 
 English money, required the almost undivided atten- 
 tion and energies of the British ministry, who are 
 thus entitled to some excuse for their neglect of 
 jNorth American affairs; but thev w^ill still remain 
 amenable to the charge of having been guiltv of the 
 folly of too much despising the new enemy arrayed 
 against them at that most busy and critical moment. 
 The want of a sufficient force for the protection of 
 the Canadas* miglit have proved fatal, at least to the 
 ; Upper Province, had not Major-General Brock, from 
 
 ! the first moment of being phiced at the head of his 
 government, been convinced that war was inevitable; 
 and that in consequence every exertion should be 
 used to place the province in as respectable a state of 
 defence as his very limited means would admit. The 
 
 / instani; the navigation opened in the spring, a supply 
 of ordnance and other stores was hurried up to fort 
 St. Joseph; and its commandant, Caj)tain Roberts, 
 was instructed to be constantly on his guard. Similar 
 
 ^ precautions were adopted relative to Araherstburg, to 
 which post Major-General Brock paid a visit early in 
 
 
 * At this time, the British rof/rular force in the Canadas consisted of the 
 8th, 4Ist, 4t)th, and lOOth regiments, a small detachment of artillery, the 
 JOth Royal Veteran Battalion, and tlie Canadian, Newfoundland, and 
 (ilengary Fcncibles; amounting, in the wliole, lo 4,450 men. These were 
 distributed along the different jjosts from the telegraph station, about 250 
 miles below Quebec, to St. Joseph's, but so unequally divided, that, in the 
 Upper Province, whose front extends to nearly 1,300 out of the 1,;0» 
 miles, there were but i,450 men.— J«?«es' Mtlitary Occurrences, 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 101 
 
 Juno, and forttinatrly took with Ijim a reinforcement 
 of 100 men of tlie 4L-«t rct^iineiit. I3ut in the execu- 
 tion of his plans iie liad to encounter many obstacles', 
 amony; which the subordinate nature of his command 
 Avas not the hast formidable. Even as late as tlie 27th 
 oi^ May, Sir Gc'or<^e Prevost does not seem to have 
 considered hostilities so near, as oji that dav he re- 
 commended to Major-Cveneral ]iroek the most rigid 
 economy in carrying on the public service, and in 
 avoiding; all expense that wa^^ not absolutely necessary, 
 on the plea of the great ditliculty of raising money. 
 Sir Georn-e has, however, been vvronulv accused of 
 not sendinfjany nistructiojis whatever to ^lajor-Gene- 
 rat Brock for some week- after he received intimation 
 of the war, as he did so from Montreal on the 7th 
 and. 18th of July, or in less than a fortnight after- 
 wards ; but, either from his dispatches not being- 
 transmitted by express, or from some other unex- 
 plained cause, they did not reach their destination 
 until the 20t]i of Jidv, or exaetlv five weeks after the 
 declaration of war was known in the Upper Province.* 
 On the breaking out of hostilities, the regular force 
 in Uj)per Canada amounted to barely 1,500 men, 
 including seamen, as under : 
 
 41st l^^giment 900 
 
 10th \e-terans 250 
 
 Newfoundland Regiment 250 
 
 Royal Artillery 50 
 
 Provincial Seamen , 50 
 
 • ' 
 
 Total 1,500. 
 
 This force had to occupy the forts St. Joseph, 
 Amherstburg, and Chippawah — Fort Erie and Fort 
 George — and York and Kingston — to maintain the 
 superiority on the lakes; to preserve the communica- 
 tion and escort convovs between Coteau de Lac and 
 Kingston ; and to defend an assailable frontier of 
 
 * Now iiitolligeiice could be transmitted from Quebec to Toronto in five 
 clays by the ordinary post, and la sumiaer iu tiiree days. 
 
 -y 
 
h' 
 
 192 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 t 
 
 ,1 ■ 
 
 nearly 800 miles, reckoning from the confines of 
 Lower Caiiada to Amherstburg', and excluding the 
 British coast from the Detroit to Fort St. Joseph. 
 With this very inadequate force, it was the opinion 
 of the highest authorities that tlie country could not 
 be maintained. Major- General Brock was well 
 aware that, in carrying the vvar along so extensive 
 a frontier, uncovered by a single fortress of strength, 
 and with such a liandful of regular troops, he could 
 only expect success in the aid and zealous co-operation 
 of the people, whose numbers then, it is believed, did 
 not exceed 70,000. But the province had long been 
 torn by intestine disputes, and the prevailing faction — 
 which had been originally established by one of the 
 judges, and which after his departure was fostered 
 by one of his zealous supporters — had been for years 
 hostile to the measures of the government. We have 
 already given Major-General Brock's speech to the 
 provincial parliament, on his meeting it for the first 
 time; the session, although obstructed by party dis- 
 sensions and unlooked-for opposition, terminated 
 better than was anticipated, as the rancorous spirit of 
 many was subdued bv his frank and conciliatory 
 demeanour ; and laws were passed which enabled 
 him to organize the flank companies of the militia, 
 unaccompanied, however, by the desired oath of 
 abjuration, so as to exclude settlers from the United 
 States and persons of doubtful loyalty. A troop of 
 volunteer cavalry was also incorporated, and on his 
 return to York from Amherstburg, about the 20th of 
 June, Major-General Brock was gratified by the 
 gratuitous offer of horses for the equipment of a car 
 brigade, under Captain Holcroft, of the royal artil- 
 lery, which offer he gladly accepted. 
 
 Major-General Brock was at York when he re- 
 ceived intelligence of the war — an event which he 
 had long anticipated, and which therefore did not 
 take him by surprise. A few hours had scarcely 
 elapsed before the two companies of the 41st regi- 
 
SIR ISAAC imoc'K. 
 
 193 
 
 )led 
 
 itia, 
 
 of 
 
 lited 
 
 : of 
 
 his 
 
 lOf 
 
 the 
 
 mont, in rrarrison at York, were embarked in boatM, 
 and disparchcd to the Xiuu^ara frontier. After assem- 
 bling his oouncil and siiinrnoiiin<; an extra session of 
 the lef^islatiire, he hastened in a small opm boat,* 
 with his hriixnde major, Evans, and his aide-de-camp, 
 Captain GlegiJ, to Fort (Jcor^e, on the Nia;j;ara fron- 
 tier, where he inm eiliately established his iiead quar- 
 ters. It was al first hi- intention to capture the 
 opposite American fort Niagara; but die high respon- 
 sibilitv he was about to as:>ume, of actinjr without 
 instructions or an ofHcial <'oinmunication, being re- 
 presented to him, he confined himself to coller^ing 
 and jircparing his small force for offensive or defen- 
 sive operations. Early in July, lie procured a "Na- 
 tional Intelligencer," which contained the act of 
 congress declaratory of war and the message of the 
 president accompanying it; and this information was, 
 of course, decisive. 
 
 Colonel Bay lies to Major- General Brock. 
 
 QuEBKr, June 2";, 181'2. 
 
 Sir George Prevost desires me to iidbrm you, that 
 lie has this instant received intelligence from Mr. 
 Richardson, by an express to the nonh-west com- 
 pany, announcing that the American govcrniniMit had 
 declared war against Great Britain. This dispatch 
 left New York on the 20th instant, and does not 
 furnish any other circumstance of intelligence what- 
 ever. His excellency is induced to give perfect and 
 entire credit to this report, although it has not yet 
 reached through any otHcial channel. Indeed, the 
 extraordinary dispatch which has attended this cou- 
 rier, fully explains his not having received the minis- 
 ter's letters, of which he will not fail to give you the 
 earliest intimation. 
 
 Mr. Richardson informs his exccllencv that it is 
 
 * He crossed this pas<;ag:e in an cpen boat nt least twice durine: the 
 war — an act which was theu rare, as it is xiow, and cuusidercd claugcrous. 
 
 K 
 
-.tsaBsaaaa 
 
 .CE* ' Aw^-.J ^.^1 
 
 " ii-iirju'^fXT'. 
 
 If' 
 
 I 
 
 'M 
 
 il; 
 
 104 
 
 LIFE AND COfiRKSPONDENCE OF 
 
 the intpntion of the company to send six larfrc canoes 
 to roceivf tiieir furs by the Grand River, (or Ottawa,) 
 and, sbonld it bo thought expedient to reinforce the 
 post of St. Joseph, tliat they will be able to carry 
 six soldiers in each boat.* Anxious as Sir George 
 feels to render you every aid in his power, and to 
 afford every possible assistance and protection to the 
 north-west company, who have on their part assured 
 his excellency of their ready and active co-operation 
 to the utnios^t of their ability, his excellency, never- 
 theless, does not think it advisable, under existing' 
 circumstances, to weaken the 41)lh ren^iment, which 
 occupies so important and critical a station ; nor can 
 he hold out any certain prospect of any further rein- 
 forcement until the arrival of the troops he has been 
 led to expect from Ent^land, but directs me to assure 
 you of his cordial wish to render you every efficient 
 support in his power. 
 
 Major- General Jirock to Sir George Prcvost, 
 
 FoKT George, July 3, 1812. 
 
 I have been anxiously expecting for some days to 
 receive the honor of your excellency's commands in 
 regard to the measures the most proper to be pursued 
 in the present emergency. 
 
 The accounts received, first through a mercantile 
 channel, and soon after repeated from various quar- 
 ters, of war having been declared by the United 
 States against Great Britain, would have justified, 
 in my opinion, offensive operations. But the reflec- 
 tion that at Detroit and Michilimackinac tl)e weak 
 state of the garrisons would prevent the command- 
 ers from accomplishing any essential service, con- 
 nected in any degree with their future security, and 
 that my means of annoyance on this communication 
 were limited to the reduction of Fort Niagara, which 
 
 * In answer to Major-General Brock's suggestions on the subject, see 
 page 150, 
 
SIR ISAAC HUOCK. 
 
 VJo 
 
 i 
 
 
 could easily le hntterecl fil any future ju'riod, I roliti- 
 cjuishcd my orig;lual iuteutiou, und attended only 
 to defensivi measures. My first object lias been tlio 
 calling out of tbe flank companies of militia, wliicli 
 lias produced a force on tbis line of aboni HOO men. 
 Tbey turned out verv cliccrfullv, but already s^licw 
 a !-piril of mipiitienco. Tbc kin^^'s stores are now 
 at so low an ebb, tbat tbey scarcely furnisb any 
 article of use or comfort. lilankets, bamniocks and 
 kettles, are all to Ix; piircba^ed ; and tbe troops, wiica 
 watcbinj^ tbe banks of tbe river, stand in tbe utmost 
 need of tents. Mr. Coucbe bas adopted tbe most 
 efficacious means to pay tbe militia in jjaper currency, 
 I cannot positively state tbe number of miJitia tbat 
 will be embodied, but tbey cannot exceed, tbrougbout 
 tbe province, 4,000 men. 
 
 Tbe Americans are very active on tbe opposite 
 side, in tlie erection of redoubts; we are not idle on 
 our part, but unfortunately, baving supplied Amberst- 
 burg witb tbe guns ubicb tbat post required from 
 Fort George, depending upon getiing otbers from 
 Kingston to supply tbeir place, we find ourselves at 
 tbis moment ratber sbort of tbat cs>ential arm. 1 
 have, however, every reason to ibink tbat tbev are 
 embarked on board tbe Earl "Moira^ wbicb vessel, 
 according to Major M'l^berson's report, was to have 
 sailed on tbe 28tli ultimo, Tl.e Americans have, 1 
 believe, about 1,2(KJ regulars und militia between 
 Fort Niagara and Black Rock, and I consider myself 
 at tbis moment perfectly salij against any attempt 
 tbev can make. About 1(.K> Indians from tbe Grand 
 River Juive attended to my summons; the remainder 
 promise to come also, but 1 have too much reason to 
 conclude that the Americans have been too successful 
 in tbeir endeavours to sow dissension and disaffection 
 among them. It is a great object to get this fickle 
 race interspersed among tbe troops. 1 should be 
 unwilling, in the event of a retreat, to have three or 
 four hundred of them hanging' on my flank. I shall 
 
 \'\ 
 
 
\\ 
 
 l> 
 
 n 
 
 m\ 
 
 LIFK AND ('0HnESPO\r»ENCE OF 
 
 probalily Imvc to tiucri/lno tsorne money to ijfiin them 
 over, and tlie appointment of h few officers Nviili 
 salaries will bo alxolutely iiecessa-y. 
 
 Tlie Aiiiericans inak<! a daily parade of tlieir foroo, 
 and easily impost' on tlie pe<'|.ile on lliis side in n'^ard 
 to tlieir niMubers. I d<> not think tliey exceed 1,!2(K>, 
 but tliev arc represented us iidinitelv more lunneroiis. 
 
 For the last fortnij^ht every precaution \iUH been 
 taken to nuard nn'ainst fl)e least eonimunieation, nnd 
 to this dav wa are i|xnurant whether the presub.tit has 
 sanctioned the \var res(»lutions of the two houses of 
 concjress; that is, wheiher war be actually declared. 
 
 The car brigade has been eoTn[.leted for service 
 with horses b(donging to gentlemen, who spared them 
 free of expense. 
 
 I have not been honored with a line from Mr. 
 Foster, nor with aU my endeavours ha^e I been able 
 to obtain information of any consequence. The Prince 
 Regent* made her first vovngc this morning, and T 
 purpose sending her to Kingston this evening, to 
 bring such articles as are absolutely rieeussary, which 
 wc know have arrived from Quebec. I trust she will 
 out-sail the Oneida brig. 1' 
 
 Colonel Baynes to Mcijor-General Brock. 
 
 MoNTHKAi., July 4, lvS12. 
 
 We have a report liero of your having connnenced 
 operations by levelling the American fort nt Niagara. 
 The general is most anxious to lit^ar good and recent 
 intelligence from your quarter. Tiierc is no consider- 
 able assembly of troops in our neighbourhood as yet ; 
 the flank companies, embodied under (./olonel Young, 
 are on their march, and the 2,000 militia will form a 
 cJiuin of posts from St. John's to La Prairie. The 
 town 'militia of this and Quebec, to the amount of 
 •3,000 in each city, have volunteered being embodied 
 
 * This vessel had been built and equipped since the month of Marcli 
 preceding. .Seep, 1 58. \ American vesbel of war. 
 
sin ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 11)7 
 
 
 and drilltHl, .' iid will take their proportion of qarrisoii 
 duty ro relieve the troops. The proclaiiuitioii lor de- 
 clariiii;' iiiiirtlMl law is prepared, and will he tipeedily 
 issued. All aliens will he refjiiired to take the oatli of 
 allejriance, or iuiniediatuly to (juil the province. Our 
 cash is at its last issue, and a snhstitute of [>aper must 
 per force he resorted to. This has heen Sir Georf^e's 
 principal ohject in callin'r the leirislatnrc lonether. 
 You have a v(!ry arduous and ditticult card to play, 
 and liave our sincere and confident wishes for vour 
 success. Sir (ieorge stron<:;ly recommends extreme 
 moderation in the use of the Indians, and to keep 
 them in control as much as possible. 
 
 [This U'tfer contains the details of n lan^o and iirmod nsscmhly at La 
 Chinc', near Montitnl, of French Canadian*-, who riinsed to sorvn in the 
 emhodiod uiilitiu, Tlicy wore disperseil by tlie litjlit cfjnipaiiy of the 4Uth, 
 and II ilctHcl.nieiit of uiiiliery witli two field pieces, under the eoinniand 
 of Major I'ltiiderleatli, of tlie Kitli, but not before one Canadian was killed, 
 and another dangerously wounded.] 
 
 PROCLAMATION 
 
 Province of Upper Canada. 
 
 Isaac Brock, Esquiro, President, aciministeririg the 
 Govermmnit of the Province of Upper Canada, and 
 Mnjor-General conitnatuling his Majesty's Forces 
 within our said Province. 
 
 To all whom these Presents shall come, greeting. 
 Whereas on the seventeenth day of .lune last the congress 
 of tlie L'nited States of America declared tliat war then 
 existed between those States and their territories, and the 
 United Kingdor.t of Great Britnin and Ireland, and the de- 
 pendencies thereof; and whereas, in pursuance of such decla- 
 ration, the subjects of tho United Stales have actually 
 committed hostilities against the possessions of his majesty 
 and tli(! person:} and property of his subjects in this province : 
 now, therefore, by and with the advice of his majesty's exe- 
 cutive council in the affairs of the province, I do hereby 
 strictly enjoin and require all his majesty's liege subjects to 
 be obedient to the lawful authorities, to forbear ail commu- 
 nication with the enemy or persons residing- within the terri- 
 tory of the United Slates, and to manifest their loyalty by a 
 zealous co-operation with his majesty's armed force in defence 
 of the province, and repulse of the enemy. And I do further 
 require and command all officers, civil and military, to be 
 
11 
 
 108 
 
 J.IFE AND (J()IlRESPONJ)ENCE OF 
 
 vif?;lnnt in iho disrlmrge of their duty, rspccially tn prevent 
 nil coiniimnionlion wilh tlio'cnotn.v, nnd to ciiusf nil perriong 
 suspected of traitorous inlercourrte to bu upprelit>(uli.-d and 
 treritt'd nccordiii^' lo law. 
 
 (.iiven liuder my linnd nnd seni nt nruifl, nt York, 
 ill the i»rovii)ce of l/pper Cntindu, thiii sixth 
 day of July, in the year of our Lord one thou- 
 Miind eiglit liundn-d and twelve, and in the fifty- 
 second of his nmji'»ty's reign. 
 
 ISAAC UROCK, rresidcnt. 
 By command i^f his honor, 
 
 VVii-LiAM .TAnvis, Secretary. 
 
 Sir George Prevost to Mnjor- General Brock. 
 
 MoxTUKAf,, July 7, 1812. 
 
 It was only on my arrival at Montreal that I 
 received Mr. Foster's notifientioii of the congress of 
 the United States having declared war against Great 
 J3ritain ; the fact had been jreviously ascertained 
 through mercantile channels. 
 
 I am convinced you have acted wisely in abstaining 
 from offensive operations, which in their effect might 
 have united a people governed by public opinion, 
 and among whom too much division exi«ts, at this 
 moment, to admit of its inlluence in promoting vigo- 
 rous measures against us. 
 
 The manner of the flank companies of militia turn- 
 ing out must have been very satisfactory to you. I 
 hope your supplies of ordnance and ordnance stores, 
 on their way from Kingston, have arrived safe. 
 
 I have caused arras, accoutrements, and ammuni- 
 tion, to be forwarded for the use of the Cornwall, 
 Slormont, and Dundas battalions of militia. Camp 
 equipage for 500 men shall be sent to you as soon as 
 possible, together with muskets. 
 
 We are on the eve of substituting paper for bullion. 
 I am aware of the Canadian ])re]udice against such 
 a circulating medium, but it must give way to the 
 imperious necessity of the times. 
 
 It is highly proper you should secure the services 
 
SIR ISAAC fSROLK. 
 
 I'.M) 
 
 of tlic Iridluiis; hut rcslriiiii ami control them jh 
 much us you cuii. Wliatever iipiiointmcnts you doom 
 inflispoiisiibly necoHf^ary, you an; aiithori/od to make, 
 as well asi the sacritice of soiuo moiiev to ijain tliem 
 over. It IS proper wc shouhl nmintain our usccnd- 
 ancy over the IrHlianj;, and feed with proper food 
 tlieir prodtlicflon for us. 
 
 ('ohjnel Lethbriiljfo, au inspecting field officer, is 
 under orders for Kingston, and there to wait your 
 commands. 
 
 Colonel liat/ncs to I\f(ijor- General liroch. 
 
 Month HAL, July 8, 181.'2. 
 
 I was hi<4hly gratifiod yesterday in receivincT your 
 letters of the Od of .July, for we have felt extrenuly 
 anxious ahout you over hiin:c we have learnt the un- 
 expected declaration of war, which has heen so lon<5 
 threatened that no one believed it would ever seriously 
 take place; and even now it is the prevailin<T opinion 
 that, from the oppositior testified by the eastern 
 states, offensive measures arc not likely vo be speedily 
 adopted against this country. Sir George is Inclined 
 to let these sentiments take tiieir course ; and as little 
 advantage would accrue by more active measures on 
 our part, our present plans are all defensive.* General 
 de Rottenburg is arrived, and the Rank companies 
 embodied arc on their way : this corps, with the 
 embodied uulitia, will form a chain from La Prairie 
 to St. John's, with a light corps advanced in their 
 front. We have reports of the 103d regiment being 
 in a river, and, it is added, recruits for the lOOtli 
 regiment. 
 
 Sir George has had applications from so many 
 
 * It shows an extraordinary want of correct information with the British 
 minister at Washintfton, or a strange remissness in communicating it, 
 that on tlio Htl» of July Sir G. Prcvost sliould think that oflTensivu measures 
 were not likely to bo speedily adopted, as by the succeeding chapter, it 
 will be seen that Genera! Hull commenced his march for Detroit on the 
 1st of June, and was at tliis very period in the vicinity of that fortress, 
 preparing to invade Ifpper Canada. 
 

 I 
 
 i! 
 
 • .1 ; 
 
 200 
 
 LIFE AND COKKKSPOiNDENCE OF 
 
 quarters for militia below Kinf^ston, that to ensure a 
 jreneral arrangement and to adopt the best systenj that 
 circumstances will admit, he has directed Colonel 
 Leth bridge, the inspecting field officer here, lo pro- 
 ceed through the line of settlements to see the several 
 colonels and corps of militia, so as to fix their quotas, 
 and afterwards to proceed to Kingston and assume 
 the command of that post, if necessary : he will be 
 placed under your orders, but you will perhaps not 
 wish to bring him in contact with the 41st regiment, 
 as he is senior to Colonel Proctor. 
 
 Sir George desires me to say, that he does not 
 attempt to prescribe specific rules for your guidance 
 — they must be directed by your discretion and the 
 circumstances of the time : the present order of the 
 day with him is farbearance, until hostilities are more 
 decidedly marked. 
 
 ;i ! 
 
 Sir George Prcvost to Major- General Brock. 
 
 Montreal, July 10, 1812, 
 
 Colonel Lethbridge's departure for Kingston affords 
 me an opportunity of replying more fully and confi- 
 dentially to your letter of the JJd instant, than I could 
 venture lo have done the day before yesterday by an 
 uncertain conveyance. That officer has been desired 
 to transmit to you, together with this dispatch, a 
 copy of the instructions given to him for his guidance 
 until the exigencies of the service make it necessary 
 in your estimation to substitute others, or to employ 
 the colonel in any other situation of command. In 
 them you will find expressed my sentiments respect- 
 ing the mode of conducting the war on our part, 
 suited to the existing circumstances ; and as they 
 change, so must we vary our line of conduct, adapting 
 it to our means of preserving entire the king's pro- 
 vinces. 
 
 Our numbers would not justify offensive operations 
 being undertaken, unless they were solely calculated 
 
SIR ISAAC IlROCK, 
 
 201 
 
 to strcngtlifn a defensive attitude. I consider it 
 prudent and politic to avoid any measure vvJiicli can 
 in its efiect liave a tendency to unite tlie people in 
 the American States. Whilst disunion prevails 
 amonjx them, their attempts on these province's >vill 
 be feeble ; it is, therefore, our duty curefally to 
 .avoid committing any act which mny, even by con- 
 struction, tend to unite the eastern and southern sfati's, 
 unless, by its perpetration, we are r»» derive a consi- 
 derable and important advanta<je. J^ut the govern- 
 ment of the United States, rostin;^ on pid)li(; oj)inioii 
 for all its measures, is liable to sudden and violent 
 chancres; it becomes an essential part of our duty to 
 watch the effect of parties on its measures, and to 
 adapt ours to the irnpidse given by those possessed of 
 influence over the pid>lic mind in iVmerica, 
 
 Notwithstanding these observations, I have to as- 
 sure you of my perfect confidence in your measures 
 for the preservation of Upj)er Canada. All your 
 wants shall be supplied as fast as possible, except 
 money, of which I have so little, as to be obliged to 
 have recourse to a paper currency. 
 
 The adjutant-general has reported to you the aid 
 we liave affordt d. in arras anfl ammunition, to your 
 militia at Cornwall, (.iiengary, J)undab, and Stormont. 
 
 To prevent an interruption to the communication 
 between the two provinces, it is fit a system of convoy 
 should be established between Montreal and King- 
 ston ; and as Major-General de IJottenburg is to 
 remain here in cojumand of a cordon of troops, 
 consisting of regulars, and militia, (established in ibis 
 neighbourliood to prevent an irruption for the plunder 
 of Montreal,) whilst 1. attend to parliamentary duties 
 at Quebec, on that subject yon may communicate 
 direct with the major-general, as he has my instruc- 
 tions to co-operate with you in preserving this im- 
 portant object. 
 
 K* 
 
 I 
 
20-2 
 
 LIFE AND COURESPONBEKCE OF 
 
 Major- (xcnernl Brock to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 FoKT Gkorge, July 12, 1812. 
 
 Wifli llje cxcepfion of occasional firinj^ from llie 
 opposite shore, (the luiautliorized act of an iindis- 
 fiplincd militia,) notliinnj of a hostile nature lias 
 occurred on this communication since I last had the 
 honor of addressing your excellency. 
 
 Tiie onemv is husy constructinn: batteries at differ- 
 ent points on the river, but he does not appear to 
 have yet received cannon 1o i)lace in them. We arc 
 doing all we can on this side to counteract his views, 
 and the arrival of the Eoyal George* and the vessels 
 under her convoy, bringing various pieces of ordnance, 
 will give us in this res])ect a decided superiority. 
 
 The militia, which assembled here immediatelv on 
 the account l)einn; received of Avar beinsc declared bv 
 the United States, have been improving daily in dis- 
 cipline ; bnt the men evince a degree of impatience 
 under their present restraint, that is far from inspiring 
 confidence. So great was the clamour to return and 
 at:end to their farms, that I found myself in some 
 measure compelled to sanction the departure of a 
 large proportion ; and I am not without my appre- 
 liensions tliat the remainder will, in defiance of the 
 law, which can only impose a line of .£20, leave the 
 service the moment the harvest commences. There 
 can be no doubt that a large portion of tli^ population 
 in this neighbourhood are sincere in their professions 
 to defend the country ; but it aj»pears likewise evident 
 to ujo that the greater ])art are either indifferent to 
 what is passing, or so completely American as to 
 rejoice in the ])ros))ect of a change of government. 
 Many, who now consider our means inadequate, 
 would readily take an active part were the regular 
 troops increased. These cool calculators are nume- 
 rous in all societies. 
 
 •* The Britisii squadron on I.ake OiUario consisted at this time of the 
 bhip Ro\ Hi (ienrge, of 21 f^uns, tlio brig; Moira, of 1(3 guns, uud Uie Prince 
 lictjcnt, and tvo otlier scliooncrs. 
 
 ^; " I 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 203 
 
 The alacrity and good tPinper with wliich the 
 militia, m the firf^t instance, marchod to the frontiers, 
 have tended to infuse in tlie mind of the enemy a 
 very different sentiment of the disposition of the inha- 
 bitant's, who, he was led to believe would, upon the 
 first summons, declare themselves an American state. 
 The display for several days of a large force was 
 made, 1 have every reason to believe, in that ex- 
 pectation. 
 
 Nearly the whole of the arms at my disposal have 
 been issued. They are barely sufficient to arm the 
 militia immediately required to guard the frontier. 
 Were I furnished with the means of distributing arms 
 among the people, in whom confidence can be placed, 
 they would not only overawe the disaffected, but 
 prove of essential use in the event of invasion. The 
 militia assembled in a wretched state in regard lo 
 clothing ; many were witliout shoes, an article which 
 can scarcely be provided in the country. 
 
 After the cannon, which have arrived this morn- 
 ing, are mounted, I shall consider my fiont perfectly 
 secure. I do not imagine the enemy will hazard a 
 water excursion with a view to turn my flanks'. He 
 probably Mill wait until winter, when the ice wdll 
 enable him to cross with the utmost facility to any 
 part between Fort Erie and as far as Long Point. 
 My situation will then depend upon the force tlie 
 enemy may bring to invade the province. Should 
 the troops have to move, the want of tents will be 
 severely felt. 
 
 A person, who left Sandwich yesterday week, pre- 
 tends that the enemy was then in the act of cannon- 
 ading the place. I have not heard from Lieut.- 
 Colonel St. George since my last letter to your 
 excellency. 
 
 An officer is so absolutely necessary to command 
 in the eastern district, that I have consented to Major- 
 General Shaw^ prooeo<ling thither in that capacity. 
 I have full confidence in his judgment, and his con- 
 
 y 
 
 y 
 
204 
 
 LIFE AND CORKI'SPONDENCE OF 
 
 JM 
 
 
 h 
 
 duel; in flie field is undoubted. He of course will 
 assume the command in virtue of Iiis militia rank, 
 and will be liable to be superseded by any lieutenant- 
 colonel your excellency may be j)leascd to appoint. 
 
 The expense of defending this province will un- 
 questionably be great ; upon a roiigh calculation, and 
 supposing that 4,00<) militia be constantly embodied, 
 it cannot be estimated at less than j£14(),000 per 
 annum. However great the sum, it will be applied 
 to very considerable advantage, provided your excel- 
 lency be eiuibled to send reinforcements, as without 
 them it is scarcely poss-ible that the government of 
 the United States will be so inactive or supine as to 
 permit the present limited force to remain in posses- 
 sion of the country. Whatever can be done to pre- 
 serve it, or to delay its fall, your excellency may rest 
 assured will be exerted. 
 
 Having been suddenly called away from York, I 
 had not time to close my dispatch, giving your excel- 
 lency an account of my proceedings during my stay 
 at Amherstburg. I now have the honor to forward 
 two documents, detailing the steps taken by the 
 Indian department to prevail on that unfortunate 
 peo])le to accommodate their differences with the 
 American government. 
 
 Extract from an American Newspaper. 
 
 Buffalo, July 14, 181-2. 
 
 Mojor-Goneral Brock is at present at Newark, superin- 
 tending the various defences on the river. He is stated to be 
 an able and experienced officer, with undoubted courage. 
 He came from Little York soon after hearing the declaration 
 of war, and. it was believed, with a serious intcutioii of 
 attacking- Fort Niagara, but, contrary to what has been 
 reporte<l, he made iio demand of a surrender. 
 
 Expecting a descent from the American army, the Cana- 
 dians have, for ten days past, been removing their families 
 and eftects from the river into the interior. At Newark, 
 Queenston,and other villages on the river, there are no inha- 
 bitants except a few civilians and officers and soldiers. It is 
 even isaid, that an immense quantity of specie, plate, &c., 
 
SlU ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 20.> 
 
 from various parts of the province, have been boxed up, anil 
 destined ftir Qut'l)ec. 
 
 The Ilritish are understood to have about six or seven 
 hundred regular troops stationed between the lakes, from 
 Fort George to Fort Erie. Tiiese men are geuerully those 
 who liave '' seen service'' in various parts of tlie world. The 
 militia of the province are ordered out en masse. 
 
 It is fjtateil by fjentleinen of iutellift'enee at Lewistown, that 
 the g«)vernment of Canada have in their employment, under 
 pay, about 250 Indians, armed complete : a part of them are 
 mounted. 
 
 Brigadier-General^^ William Wadswortli, from Genesee, 
 commands the troops on our frontiers. His aids are Major 
 Adam Hoops and Major W. H, Spencer. His head quarters 
 are now at Lewistown. It i'* impos«ible to state the precise 
 number of troops under his comnjund, because the militia 
 ordered on the lines are returning, and the companies com- 
 posing the regiments under his command have not all arrived ; 
 but from what we learn, ttiere are in regular troops, volun- 
 teers, and detached militia, above 4,000 stationed at Rock, 
 Lewistown, Youngstown, and Fort Niagara. The troops are 
 in excellent health, in good spirits, and well supplied. They 
 appear quite impatient for want of employment. There has 
 been some firing from the sentries on both sides of the river. 
 
 It was reported at Fort Niagara last week, that the British 
 have sent from Little \ork every armed ship in pursuit of the 
 brig Oneida. 
 
 The British armed ship Queen Charlotte, lying at Fort 
 Erie, soon after the declaration of war was received, left her 
 moorings and proceeded up the lake — is now understood to 
 be at Fort Maiden, tiie great depot of Indian supplies. Ilis 
 majesty's sloop of war Hunter has gone up the straits of 
 Jdaekina, and passed into Lake Michigan, and captured an 
 American merchant vessel, said to be either the Mary or 
 Salina. We understand an official account of the ca[)ture 
 has been received at Fort Erie. 
 
•20G 
 
 MFE AM) COIIUESPONDENCE OF 
 
 i \ 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Tlio American government, in anticipation of its 
 declaration of war, had deiaclied from the state of 
 Ohio to the Michigan territory an army of about 
 2,000 men, under the command of Brigadier-General 
 Hull, who, said President Madison in his message to 
 congress, " possessing discretionary authority to act 
 offensively, passed into Canada with a prospect of 
 easy and victorious progress." The enemy evidently 
 confided in the very limited defensive means of the 
 Upper Province, and in the impossibility of its re- 
 ceiving early assistance from the mother country. 
 They relied also on the supposed disaffection of many 
 of its inhabitants, and they expected confidently that, 
 weak and divided, it would fall an easy prey to the 
 invaders ; but they were soon undeceived. This 
 army marched from Dayton, in Ohio, on the 1st ot 
 June, and arrived on the 7th at Urbana. On the 
 11th, Colonel M'Arthur's regiment of militia was 
 detached to open a road as far as the Scioto river, on 
 the south bank of which two block-houses, connected 
 by a strong stockade, were erected, and named Fort 
 M'Arthur. From this post to the rapids of the 
 Miami (or Maumee) the distance is about 125 miles, 
 and the route of the army was through a thick and 
 almost trackless forest, as the north-western part of 
 Ohio was at that time scarcely inhabited, so that it 
 became necessary to open a road the whole way for 
 the passage of the many baggage waggons. To 
 
sill ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 207 
 
 I 
 
 guard Qrrainst the attacks of the hostile Indians at 
 nifjlit, llie ])lan of cncaniptnont was a hollow square, 
 defended usually by a temporary breast-work of felled 
 trees. On the *2()lh of June, General Hull received 
 intelligence, by express from Chillicothe, of the decla- 
 ration of war, and on the 30tli the troops suddenly 
 cmerg'ed from a gloomy wilderness to a full view of 
 the l)road Miami widi a village on the opposite bank, 
 when a beam of iov animated everv countenance, 
 and repaid the men for the fatigues of a long and 
 dreary march. Here a small schooner was engaged 
 to carry a nuantitv of baixixajje, belonn-in'i: to the 
 a/my, to Detroit; but she fell into the hands of the 
 British near Amherstburg, while on her voyage. 
 On the 4th of July, the army reached the Huron 
 river, 21 miles from Detroit, and the next day en- 
 camped at Spring Wells, about 4 milfes from that 
 town. On the 8th, the encampment at Spring Wells 
 ■was abandoned, and the army took up a position in 
 the rear of Detroit, when it was joined by G<X) of the 
 Michigan militia, and the necessary preparations 
 were made lor the intended invasion. Havinjj cross- 
 ed his army over with several field pieces to the 
 Canadian village of Sandwich on the i2th of July, 
 Hull issued on that day the following insidious but 
 able proclamation, which was doubtless indited at 
 Washington. It will be seen that the American 
 general was made to say, that he did not ask the 
 assistance of the Canadians, as he hr:' no doubt of 
 eventual success, because he came prepared for every 
 contingency with a force which would look down all 
 opposition, and that that Ibrce was but the vanguard 
 of a unich greater ! 
 
 Inhabitants of Canada! — After thirty years of peace and 
 prosperity, the United States have been driven to arms. 
 The injuries {\nd aggressions, the insults and indignities of 
 Great Britain, iiave once more left them no alternative but 
 manly resistance or unconditional submission. 
 
 The army under my command lias invaded your country, 
 and the standard of union now waves over the territory of 
 
f i 
 
 h 
 
 P>. 
 
 t><)8 
 
 LIFE AND COHKESPOiNDENCE OF 
 
 Canada. To flie peacoable, unofl'ending inhnbitunt, it. brinq^s 
 neitluT danger nor difficulty. I couk; to find t-iieinies, not 
 to make tiieiu. I come to protect, not to injure you. 
 
 Separated by an immense ocean, and an extensive wilder- 
 ness from Great Britain, you have no participation in her 
 councils, no interest in her conduct. You liave felt her 
 tyranny, you have seen her inju«itice — but I do not ask you 
 to avenjfe the one or redress the other. The United States 
 are sufficiently powerful lo afford you every security, consis- 
 tent with their rights and your expectations. I tender you 
 the invaluable blessings of civil, poliiical, and religious liber- 
 ty, and their necessary result, individual and general pros- 
 l)erity — that liberty which gave decision to our councils and 
 energy to our conduct in our struggle for inde])endenoe, and 
 which conducted us safely and triumphantly througli the 
 stormy period of the revolution — that liberty whicli has raised 
 us to an elevated rank among the nations of the woild, and 
 which has atibnled us a greater measure of peace and secu- 
 rity, of wealth and improvement, than ever yet fell to the lot 
 of any people. 
 
 In tho name of my country, and by the authority of my 
 government, I promise protection to your persons, properjj-, 
 and rights. Remain at your homes — pursue your peaceful 
 and customary avocations; — raise not your liands against 
 your brethren. Many of your fathers fought for the freedom 
 and independence we now enjoy. Being cliildren, therefore, 
 of the same family with us, and heirs to the same heritage, 
 the arrival of an army of friends must be liailed by you wit?i 
 a cordial welcome. You will be emancipated from tyrannj' 
 and oppression, and restored to the dignified station of 
 freemen. 
 
 Had I any doubt of eventual success, I might ask your 
 assistance — but I do not. I come prepared tor every con- 
 tingency. I have a force which will look down all opposition, 
 and that force is but the vanguard of a much greater. If, 
 contrary to your own interests and the just expectation of 
 my country, you should take part in the approaching con- 
 test, you will be considered and treated as enemies, anu the 
 horrors and calamities of war will stalk before you. If the 
 barbarous and savage policy of Great Britain be pursued, and 
 the savages l)e let loose to murder our citizens, and butcher 
 our women and children, this war will be a war of extermin- 
 ation. The first stroke of the tomahawk, the first attempt 
 with the scalping knife, will be the signal of one indiscrimi- 
 nate scene of desolation. No white man, found fighting by 
 the side of an Indian, will be taken prisoner — instant des- 
 truction will be his lot. If the dictates of reason, duty, 
 justice, and humanity, cannot prevent the employment of a 
 
 
 
SIR ISAAC DnOCK. 
 
 '201) 
 
 force which respects no rights and knows no wron-j:, it will be 
 j)rijveiiteii by a sifVtTC and ri'lciitU-ss >ysUMn of rctuliation. 
 
 I doubf. not your couroKt! and hrrnnois — I will not donbt 
 your attiiihtneiil to liberty, U you ten 'rr your services 
 voluntarily, ihry will be acci'pt. ^udily. I'he \:niti!<l Sliitoa 
 oft'cr yon peuci', liberty, and security. Vour choico lies 
 betweeii thc.".c and war, slavery and destruction, (-boose, 
 then, but choose wisely ; and may lie who knows the justice 
 of our <;aMBC, and who holds in liia hand the fate of nations, 
 guide you to a result the most com[)alible with your rights 
 and interests, yi^ur peace and prosperity. 
 
 W. Hull. 
 By the General, A. V. IIlli.. 
 
 (apt. loth Itegt. U.S. Infantry, and 
 Head (Juarters, Aide-de-Camp. 
 
 Sandwich, July I'i, I81v2. 
 
 TIk} followino" counter-proclatiiation * was publislied 
 by Major-CTerioral J^rock, " n j)roclanirilion as ro- 
 markahle for tlie solid ronsonirifj and difniity of its 
 Janguao;e, as that of the Anicricau for its presump- 
 tion," + and it ]iad an iminodiate and most salutary 
 effect. 
 
 The unprovoked declaration of war by the I'nited States of 
 Anierica against the United Kingdom of (jlreat lirituin nntl 
 Ireland, and its dependencies, has been followed by the 
 actual invasion of this province, in a remote frontier of the 
 western district, by a detachment of the armed force of the 
 United States. 
 
 The officer commanding that detachment lias thought 
 proper to invite his majesty's subjects, not merely to a <juiet 
 and unresisting submission, but insults them with a call to 
 seek voluntarily the protection of his government. 
 
 Without condescending to repeat tlie illiberal epithets be- 
 stowed in this appeal of the American commander to the 
 people of Upper Canada, on the adndnistration of his majesty, 
 every inhabitant of the province is desired to seek the confu- 
 tation of such indecent slander in the review of his own 
 particular circumstances. Where is the Canadian subject 
 who can truly affirm to himself that he has been injured by 
 tlie governmcnjt, in his person, his property, or his liberty ? 
 Where is to be found, in any part of the world, a growth so 
 rapid in prosperity and wealth, as this colony exhibits .' 
 
 * It will be Been la the .sequel, tliat Mr. Justice Powell is hclievod in 
 I'pper Canada to have boon the autlior of thi-j counter-proclamation 
 
 t Christie's ♦Memoirs, already cited. 
 
210 
 
 LIFE AND CORRKSPONDENCE 01' 
 
 1 . 1 
 
 fi ; 
 
 l\ 
 
 I* ' 
 
 Settled, not tliirty yenrs, by a. band of veterHns, oxiletl from 
 their former ])09session!» on account of their loynliy, not n 
 descendant of those brave people is to be found, who, under 
 the fosterinj^ libcriility of tlieir sovoreijifn, hns not acquired a 
 property and means of enjoyment superior to what were 
 po.^se-ised by their ancestors. 
 
 This niiequnlli'd prosperity would not have been attained 
 by the utmost liberality of the government, or the ])orsevcring 
 industry of the people, had not the maritime power of tho 
 mother country secured to its colonists a safe access to every 
 market, where the produce of their labour was in request. 
 
 The unavoidal)le and immodiate con^,equences of a separa- 
 tion from (ireat Jiritain must bo tho loss of this iru.'Stimable 
 advantage ; and what is oifered you in exchange ? l"o become 
 a territory of tlte United States, and share with them that 
 exclusion from the ocean which the policy of their govern- 
 ment enforces ; you are not even flattered with a participation 
 of their boasted independence ; and it is but too obvious 
 that, once estranged from the powerful protection of tho 
 United Kingdom, you must be re-annexed to Hk! dominion 
 of I-'rance, from which the provinces of Canada were wrested 
 by the arms of Great Ih-itain, at a - ist expense of blood and 
 treasure, from no other motive th^n to relieve her ungrateful 
 children from the oppression of a cruel neighbour. This 
 restitution of Canada to the empire of Franco, was the stipu- 
 lated reward for the aid afforded to the revolted colonies, 
 now the United States ; the debt is still duo, and there can 
 be no doubt but the pledge has been renewed as a consider- 
 ation for commercial advantages, or rather for an expected 
 relaxation in the tyranny of Trance over the commercial 
 world. Are you prepjMvd, inhabitants of Canada, to become 
 willing subjects, orrat'i r slaves, to the despot who rules the 
 nations of continental Europe with a rod of iron? If not, 
 arise in a body, exert your energies, co-operate cordially 
 with tlie king's regular forces to repel the invader, and do 
 not give cause to your children, wlien groaning under the 
 oppression of a foreign master, to reproach you with having 
 so easily parted with the richest inheritance of this earth — 
 a participation in the name, character, and freedom of 
 Britons ! 
 
 The same spirit of justice, which will make every reason- 
 able allowance for the unsuccessful efforts of zeal and loyalty, 
 vill not fail to punish the defalcation of principle. Every 
 Canadian freeholder is, by deliberate choice, bound by the 
 most solemn oaths to defend the monarchy, as well as his 
 own property ; to shrink from that engagement is a treason 
 not to be forgiven. Let no man suppose that if, in this 
 unexpected struggle, his majesty's arms should be compelled 
 to yield to an overwhelming force, the province will be even- 
 
 
 %' 
 
SIR l.v 
 
 Dlw^CK. 
 
 •211 
 
 I I 
 
 tiitiliy abfuidoiiinl ; Un; ciuh , ' relation of Its fir ♦ wttlers, 
 tlio intiiiirtir value of its coiniucrce, hi il»o ]>r<' Hmtt oi 
 its powfrful rival to lopoMMS tlie Cnnadaa. arc i tr*s t^"*' 
 no pcticf will III' (>stai)lisliefl liutweeu the Tnile-i .ite« ant 
 (ireal Hrilaln and Irclatid, of which (ho rfstorut- of these 
 provinces (hies not nmkc the most jironiinent eui, uis 
 
 He )iot di«niayc'(l at the iinjuslitlabU' threat ul lUn com 
 mander of thij enemy's forocs to refuse nuarter, shonhl oii 
 Indian apfieur in tin? ranks. Tiie brave bands of aborigines 
 which inhabit this eoU)ny were, like ]m majesty's oilier sub- 
 jects, punished for tiieir zeal and (idrlity, by the loss of their 
 possessions in the late colonics, and rewarded by his majesty 
 with lands of siiptirior value in this province. The failh of 
 the ' "itish governniont has never yet been violuted — tlie 
 Indians feel (hat, the soil they inherit is (o them and their 
 posterily protected from the base arts so freciucntly devised 
 to over-reach their simplicity. IJy what new jirinciple are 
 they to be prohibiterl from dcfoiidini^ their property ? If 
 their warfare, from being ditVeront to that of the white 
 people, be more terrific to the enemy, let him retrace his 
 eteps — they seek him not — and cannot expect to lind women 
 and children in an invadini>- army. IJiit they are men, and 
 have equal rights with all other men to defend them^H^lve8 
 and their property when invaded, more especially when they 
 find ia the enemy's cam]) a ferocious and mortal foe, using 
 the sanje warfare which the j\mcrican comuumder affects to 
 reprobate. 
 
 This inconsistent and unjustifiahli' threat of .-efusing quar- 
 ter, for such a cause as being found in arms with a brother 
 sutferer, in defence of invaded rights, must be exercised with 
 the certain assurance of retaliation, not only in the limited 
 operations of war in this pirt of the king's dominions, but in 
 every quarter of the globe ; for the national character of 
 Britain is not less distinguished for htnnanity than strict 
 retributive justice, which will consider the execution of this 
 inhuman threat as deliberate murder, for which every subject 
 of the offending power must make expiation. 
 
 Is.vAC BnocK, 
 Head Quarters, Major-Gen. and President, 
 
 fort George, July 22, 1812. 
 
 By order of his honor tlie president. 
 
 J. B. Gr.Eao, 
 Captain and Aide-de-Carap. 
 
 
•>]0 
 
 MFK AND COaHKsrONDKNCE OF 
 
 f ! 
 
 I ( 
 
 Mttjor-Gencrnl Jirock fo Sir (leoryc Provont. 
 
 FdiiT Gi:«.HOK, July '20, IHI'2. 
 
 My Innt to your cxcolloncy was (l:it('(l tlio l'2th 
 instant, sitioc Avhicli iiotliiiij^ cvtraordiMary liai^ o<:'cur- 
 rv.d ou thin commiiiiication. Tlio •MU-'niv liiis (;vidciitlv 
 
 * 
 
 tliiniriislifjcl his force, and appears to have no intention 
 ofiiiakinq: an immediate attack. 
 
 1 liiivo Iiercnviih tlie lionor of enclosinf]^ the copy of 
 two letters wiiieli I have received from ljieiit.-(.V)h">nel 
 St. (r((»r<j;(', toi^elher Mitii some intcrestitj'^ documents 
 found on ho:\rd a sciiooncr, which the boats of the 
 ITuntcr ca|)tJired on her voyage from tlic Miami to 
 Detroit. 
 
 From the accompanyin'^ ofHcial correspondence 
 between (jleneral Hull and tlic secretary at war, it 
 appears that ihe collected force whicli lias arrived at 
 Detroit amounts to about 2,01)0 men. 1 liavc re- 
 quested Colonel Proctor to proceed to Amherstburj:!;, 
 and ascertain accurately the state of thin^rs in that 
 quarter. J had every inclination to go there myself, 
 but the meeting of the le'jislature on the 27th instant 
 renders it impossible. 
 
 1 receive this moment a dispatch, dated the 15th 
 instant, from Lieut. -Colonel St. George, giving an 
 account of the enemy having landed on the r2th, and 
 immediately after occupied the village of Sandwich. 
 It is straiige that three days should be allowed to 
 elapse before sending to acquaint me of this important 
 fact. I had no idea, until 1 received l.ieut. -Colonel 
 St. (ieorge's letter a few duvs atio, that General Hull 
 was advancing with so large a i'orce. 
 
 The militia, from every account, behaved very ill. 
 The officers appear the most in fault. Colonel Proctor 
 will probably reach Amherstburg in the course of to- 
 morrow. I have great dependunce in that officer's 
 decision, but fear he will arrive too late to be of 
 much service. The enemy was not likely to delay 
 attacking a force that had allowed him to cross the 
 river in open day without firinir a shot. 
 
 M' 
 
 la} 
 
SIR IfiAAf HUOCK. 
 
 21:3 
 
 .■lay 
 the 
 
 Tlie position mIiIcIi LirMif.-C.'oloncl St. Goortifr 00- 
 cupies IS v(;ry f^nocl, and intiiiifcly more f'oriiiiflaMo 
 than the fort itselt". Should he thcrofbro he cotiipollcd 
 to retire, I know of no ofiior nitcrnativo tlian his 
 fnd)arkin;r in the kinK'si vessels and proeeedini; to 
 itirt lA'ic. 
 
 Were it possible to animate the militia to a [iroper 
 sense of their diitv, somethinjj: uiiirht vet be done — 
 
 111 \ ' • r> O •/ 
 
 out 1 almost despair. 
 
 Yonr cxeclleney will readily pereeive the eritieal 
 situation in M'hioh the rediietion of Andiersihurg will 
 plaee me. 
 
 I do not iinnfrino (Jeneral Hull will he able to de- 
 tach more than 1,(KM) men, hut even with that trifling 
 force I ranch fenr ho will succeed in iX''ttinir to mv 
 
 Of? • 
 
 rear. The militia will not act without a !?tron^ regu- 
 lar force to set them the example ; and as I mir 
 now expect to be seriously threatened, I cannot m 
 prudence make J-tron<j detachments, whicli would not 
 only weaken my line of defence, but, in the event -.u 
 a retreat, endanger their safety. 
 
 I. am now ^\\cx\ to understand that General Huira 
 insidious proclamation, herewith ^ nelosed, has already 
 been productive of considcrah' elfect on the minds 
 of the people. In fact, u general sentiment prevails 
 that, with the present force, resistance is unavailing. 
 I shall continue to exert myself to the utmost to 
 overcome every difiiculty. Should, however, the 
 communication between Kingston and Montreal be 
 mit off, the fate of the troops in this part of the ])ro- 
 vince will be decided. I now express my apprehen- 
 sions on a supposition that the slender means your 
 excellency possesses will not admit of diminution ; 
 consequently, that I need not look for reinforcements. 
 It is evidently not the intention of the enemy to make 
 any attempt to penetrate into the province by this 
 strait, unless the present force be diminished. He 
 seems much more inclined to work on the flanks, 
 aware that if he succeed every other part must very 
 soon submit. 
 
"^'SSS 
 
 214 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 ! !i 
 
 My last official communication from the Lower 
 Province is dated the '2oth ultimo, when the adju- 
 tant-general announced the receipt of intelligence, by 
 a mercantile house, of war being declared by the 
 United States against Great Britain. 
 
 Major-General Sir 2'homas Saumarez, Kt.,* to Major- 
 General Brock. 
 
 Halifax, July 22, 1812. 
 
 Being this moment informed that an express is to 
 be dispatched immediately from hence to Quebec, I 
 have great pleasure in having an opportunity to 
 inquire after your health and welfare, and to acquaint 
 you that your relation. Lady Saumarez, f and myself, 
 arrived here about a month since. I assure you we 
 consider ourselves particularly fortunate in not having 
 fallen into the enemy's hands, as the Americans had 
 declared war a week before we reached this. We 
 came out in a yery valuable ordnance store ship, 
 which would have been a great acquisition to the 
 enemy, at the breaking out of a war especially ; and 
 the loss to us would have been seriously felt here, as 
 all the stores on board were very much re(|uired. 
 Another ship with naval stores accompanied us ; 
 they were much wanted by our squadron, and possi- 
 bly as much so by the ships of the enemy. Our 
 squadron on this station has been very active. Prizes 
 arrive here daily, I could almost say hourly. The 
 Emulous brig brought in ten yesterday, and 30,('00 
 dollars were found on board some of them. '^ilr. 
 Foster, late ambassador to tiie American States, has 
 been here nearly a week ; he is to sail for England 
 to-day. According to the best information we can 
 
 * General Sir Thomas Saumarez, tlicn commandant at Halifax, and in 
 1813 president of the council and commander-in-chief ot New Brunswick ; 
 now in his 8:ith year, and brother of tlie late Admiral Lord de Saumarez. 
 
 t Lady Saumarez was Harriet Brock, his first cousin. Another of his 
 first cousins, Emily Brock, was the wife of Lieut.-General Sir John 
 Cameron, K. C. B., colonel of tiie 9th foot, and a very distinguished officer 
 in the Peninsular war. 
 
SI^ ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 215 
 
 IS to 
 
 Our 
 
 rizes 
 The 
 
 o,roo 
 
 has 
 
 land 
 
 le can 
 
 obtain here, the Nortliern and Eastern States of Ame- 
 rica are extremely inimical to, and dissatisfied with, 
 the war ; so mucli so, that there is reason to suppose 
 they will dissolve the Union shortly, and declare 
 themselves totally independent of the Southern and 
 Western States. 
 
 The American privateers are extremely numerous 
 and daring in this neighbourhood ; and, I am sorry 
 to add, they have proved but too successful, having 
 captured several of our vessels bound to Quebec and 
 New Brunswick, and some to this port. I received 
 a note about an hour ago from Lieut. -Colonel Pear- 
 son, who sailed from hence last Sunday, with his 
 wife and family, for Quebec, being ajipointod inspect- 
 ing field officer in Canada, to inform me that he had 
 been made prisoner by an American privateer. Most 
 of our ships are looking ouc for the squadron the 
 Americans have at sea, under Commodore llodgers, 
 who is supposed to have sailed from New York with 
 a view to intercept our West India fleet, homeward 
 bound. 
 
 We are as busy here as ])ossible in placing all our 
 out-posts in the best state of defen(x\ 1 suppose you 
 are not less so. 
 
 A trans j)ort, with 140 men of the Royals, from the 
 West Indies to Quebec, was boarded by the Essex, 
 American frigate, about ten days ago, and permitted 
 to proceed, on condition that I he master of the vessel 
 promised to pay a ransom of 12,0<J() dollars for her ; 
 and that the officer commanding considered himself 
 on parole, and gave his assurance that the troops 
 would not fight against the Americans during the 
 war. The transport arrived here yesterday, and the 
 remainder of the battalion is supposed to have reached 
 Quebec. 
 
 You have probably heard of the many improve- 
 ments in our little island. An excellent road was 
 finished from town to Vazon Bay, and from Fort 
 George to Rocquainej also one from town to I^an- 
 
 l I 
 
210 
 
 LIFE AND COnUESPONDENCE OF 
 
 cresse. The Braye du Valle is now under a state of 
 cultivation. Roads of communication were nearly 
 finished ; one of them from what is called the Long 
 Store passes Amherst Barracks and my house, and 
 joins the great road to the Forest and St. Martin's : 
 the opening of all these have discovered many hcau- 
 tiful views, Avhich we did not know Guernsey pos- 
 sessed. 
 
 If there should be anv thinjx I can do for vou or 
 my nephew, James Brock, I beg that you will afford 
 me the pleasure of executing your commissions. I 
 have not time to add more, but to assure you both of 
 Lady S.'s and my best wishes and regards. 
 
 In 
 
 I 
 
 Major' General Brock to Sir George Prevosf. 
 
 Fort GEc.iOE, July 25, 1812. 
 
 Since my dispatch to your excellency of the 20th 
 instant, I have received information of the enemy 
 having made frequent and extensive inroads from 
 Sandwich up the river Thames. I ha/e in conse- 
 quence been induced to detach Capt. Chambers* with 
 about 50 of the 41st regiment to the Moravian town, 
 where I have directed 200 militia to join him. From 
 the loud and apparentl}"^ warm professions of the In- 
 dians residing on the Grand River, 1 made no doubt 
 of finding at all times a large majority ready to take 
 the field and act in conjunction with our troops ; but 
 accounts received this morning state that they have 
 determined to remain neutral, and they have con- 
 sequently refused, with the exception of about fifty, 
 to join Captain Chambers' detachment. 
 
 I meditated a diversion to the westward, the mo- 
 ment I could collect a sufficient number of militia, in 
 the liope of compelling General Hull to retreat across 
 the river; but this unexpected intelligence has ruined 
 the whole of my plans. The militia, which I destined 
 
 * Senior lieutenant-colonel of the •list regiment in India, in 1828, and 
 a C. B. 
 
SIU ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 217 
 
 
 and 
 
 for this service, will now be alarniod, and unwilling 
 to leave their families to the mercy of 4()0 Indians, 
 whose conduct afibrd?; such wide room for suspicion ; 
 and really to expect that this fickle race will remain 
 in a state of neutrality in the midst of war, would he 
 truly absurd. The Indians have probably been led to 
 this chanp;e of sentiment by emissaries from General 
 Hull, whose proclamation to the Six Nations is liere- 
 vvith enclosed. 
 
 I have not deemed it of sufficient consequence to 
 commence active operations on this line, by an attack 
 on Fort Niagara. It can be demolished, when found 
 necessary, in half an hour, and there my means of 
 annoyance would terminate. To enable the militia 
 to acquire some degree of discipline without inter- 
 ruption, is of far greater consequence than such a 
 conquest. Every thing in my power shall be done to 
 overcome the ditlicuhies bv which I am surrounded ; 
 but without strong reinforcements, I fear the country 
 cannot he roused to make exertions equal to meet 
 this crisis. 
 
 I proceed immediately to York, to attend tha 
 meeting of the legislature, and I hope to return on 
 Wednesday. The charge of this frontier will in the 
 mean time devolve on Lieut. -Colonel Myers, who 
 appears worthy of every conHdence. The actual in- 
 vasion of the province has compelled me to recall 
 that portion of the militia, whom I permitted to return 
 home and work at luirvest. I am pre|)ared. to hear 
 of much discontent in consequence ; the disaffected 
 ■will take advantage of it, and add fuel to the flame. 
 But it may not be without reason that I may be ac- 
 cused of having; already studied their convenience and 
 jiumour to the injury of the service. 
 
 I should have derived much consolation in the 
 midst of my present difficulties had 1 been honored, 
 previously to the me* ting of the legislature, with your 
 excellency's determination in regard to this j»rovince. 
 That it cannot be maintained with its present force is 
 
 L 
 
218 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 
 •i ' 
 
 very obvious ; and unless the enemy be driven from 
 Sandwicli, it will be impossible to avert much longer 
 the impending- ruin of the country. Numbers have 
 already joined the invading; army ; commotions are 
 excited ; and the late occurrences at Sandwich have 
 spread a g;eneral jjloom. I have not heard from 
 Lieut. -Colonel St. George, or from any individual at 
 Amherstburg, since I last had the honor of addressinof 
 your excellency, which makes me apprehensive that 
 Colonel Proctor has been detained on his journey too 
 lonii^ for the ^ood of the service. 
 
 The enemy's cavalry, amounting to about fifty, are 
 led by one Watson, a surveyor from Montreal of a 
 desperate character. This fellow has been allowed to 
 parade with about twenty men of the same description 
 as far as Westminster,* vowing as they went along 
 the most bitter veufjeance against the first characters 
 in the province. Nothing can shew more strongly 
 the state of apathy which exists in most parts of the 
 country ; but I am | orliaps too liberal in attributing 
 the conduct of the inhabitants to that cause. 
 
 Mr. Couche has lepresented to the head of liis 
 department the total impracticability of carrying on 
 the public service without a remittance of specie, or a 
 government paper substitute. He was in expectation 
 of making arrangements with some individuals that 
 would have enabled him to proceed, but I much fear 
 that the whole project has fallen to the ground. The 
 militia on this communication were so clamorous for 
 their pay, that I directed Mr. Couche to make the 
 necessary advances, and this has drained him of the 
 little specie in his possession. 
 
 My present civil office not only authorizes me to 
 convene general courts martial for the trial of offend- 
 ers belonging to the militia, but likewise the infliction 
 of the sentence of death; whilst in regard to the mi- 
 litary, my power is limited to the mere assembling of 
 the court. I beg leave to submit to the consideration 
 
 * About no miles in the interior, or east of Sandwich. 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 219 
 
 of your excolloncy, whether in times like the present 
 I ouglit not, to be invested with equal authority over 
 each service. 
 
 I herewith have the honor to transmit two letters, 
 one from Captain Roberts, commanding at St. Jo- 
 seph's, and the second from Mr. Dickson, a t^entleman 
 every way capable of forming a correct judgment of 
 the actual state of the Indians. Nothing oan.be more 
 deplorable than his description ; yet the United States 
 government accuse Great Britain of instigatin'g that 
 people to war. Is not the true cause to be found in 
 the state of desperation to which they are reduced by 
 the unfriendly and unjust measures of that govern- 
 ment towards tiiem ? 
 
 On the 27th of July, 1812, Major-Gcneral Brock 
 returned to York from Fort George, on which day, 
 accompanied by a numerous suite, he opened the 
 extra session of the legislature, and delivered the fol- 
 lowing speeches. 
 
 Konorablo Gentlemen of the LcRislali o Council, and 
 Gentleinon of the House of Assembly. 
 
 The urgency of the present erisis is the only consideration 
 which could have induced me to call you together at a time 
 when public, as well as private, duties elsewliere, demand 
 your care and attention. 
 
 But, gentlemen, when invaded hy an enemy whose avowed 
 object is the entire con([ueht of the province, the voice of 
 loyalty, as well as of interest, eallr? tiloud to every person in 
 the sphere in which he is placed to defend his country. 
 
 Our militia have heard that voice, and have oljeyed it; 
 they have evinced, by the promptitude and loyalty of their 
 conduct, that they are worthy of the king whom they serve, 
 and of the constitution which they enjoy ; and it affords me 
 particular satisfaction, that while 1 address you as ' islators, 
 1 speak to men who, in the day uf danger, will u^ ready to 
 assist, not only with their counsel, but witli their arms. 
 
 We look, gentlemen, to our militia, as well as to the regu- 
 lar forces, for our protection ; but I should be wanting to 
 that important trust committed to my care, if I attempted to 
 conceal (what experience, the great instructor of mankind. 
 
 t! 
 
^,^™ ,. 
 
 220 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 and especially of lejxislafors, has discovero'fl,)lliat amendmpnt 
 is neccssnry in our militia laws to render them efticicuf. 
 
 ft is ibr you to consider what further improvements thfy 
 still may require. 
 
 Honorable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, and 
 ( Jentlenien of the House of Assembly. 
 
 From the history and experience of our mother country, we 
 loaro that in times of actual invasion or internal commotion, 
 the ordinary course of criminal law has been found inadequate 
 to secure his majesty's jfovernment from private treachery 
 as well as frojn open disaflection ; and that at such times its 
 legislature ha!« found it expedient to enact laws restraining, 
 for a limited period, (he liberty of individuals, in many cases 
 wliere it would be dangerous to exj)Ose tiie particulars of the 
 charge; and altliough the actual invasion of the province 
 might justify vne in the exercise of the Cull powers reposed in 
 me on such an emergency, yet it will be more agreeable to 
 lue to receive the sanction of ihe two houses. 
 
 A few traitors have already joined the enemy, have been 
 Bufiered to come into the country with impunity, and have 
 been harboured jind concealed in the interior; yet the general 
 spirit of loyally which appears to pervade the inhabitant' )f 
 this province, is sneh as to authorize a just expectation tnat 
 their efforts to mislead and deceive will be unavailing. The 
 disattectcd, I am convinced, are lew — to protect and defend 
 the loyal inhabitants from their machinations, is an object 
 worthy of your most serious deliberation. 
 
 Gentlemen of the House of Assembly. 
 T liave directed the public accounts of the province to he 
 laid before you, in as complete a stale as this unusual period 
 will admit ; they will afibnl you the means of ascertaining to 
 what extent you can aid in providing for the extraordinary 
 den)an(ls occasioned by the employment of the militia, and I 
 doubt not but to that extent you will cheerfully contribute. 
 
 Honorable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, and 
 Gentlemen of the House of Assembly. 
 
 We are engaged in an awful and eventful contest. By 
 unanimity and dispatch in our councils, and by vigour in our 
 operations, we may teach the enen)y this lesson, that a coun- 
 try dclended by free men, enthusiastically devoted to the cause 
 of their king and constitution, can never be conquered I 
 
 The invajsion of the western district by Brigadier- 
 General Hull, and the artful and threatening language 
 of his proclamation, were productive at the outset of 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 221 
 
 of 
 
 very unfavorable effects among a large portion of 
 the inhabitants of Upper Canada ; and so general was 
 tlie despondency, that the Norfolk militia, consisting, 
 we believe, chiefly of settlers of American origin, 
 peremptorily ^efll^ied to march. The majority of the 
 members of the house of assembly were impressed 
 with the same gloomy forebodings, and that body 
 appeared by its proceedings rather to court the favor 
 of the enemy than fearlessly to perform its duty. It 
 was, therefore, prorogued upon passing the money 
 bills, as no advantage could result from its remaining 
 longer in session. The state of the province required 
 the most pronjpt and decisive measures for its pre- 
 servation, and Major-General Brock considered its 
 situation at this moment as extremely critical.. With 
 the concurrence of his counsel, to whom he represent- 
 ed his many difhculties, he is said to have resolved 
 on exercising martial law whenever he should find it 
 necessary, although the house of assembly had reject- 
 ed its enactment, even in a njodified form. Not only 
 among the militia was a disjjosition evinced to sub- 
 mit tamely, but five hundred in the western district 
 sought the protection of the enemy. It is true that 
 the people there were far removed from the seat of 
 government, and the more subject to hostile influence, 
 as they were principally composed of French Cana- 
 dians and of the natives of the United States, or their 
 immediate descendants ; but even the Indians, who 
 were located on the Grand River, in the heart of the 
 province, positively refused, with a fev; exceptions, 
 to take up arras ; and they announced their intention, 
 after the return of some of their chiefs from General 
 Hull, to remain neutral, as if they wished the autho- 
 rities to believe that they could be tranquil in the 
 midst of warfare. Major-General Lrock had not 
 long administered the government of the province, 
 hut where he was individually known, and where his 
 personal influence extended, a better sentiment pre- 
 vailed j and his counter-proclamation served not only 
 
222 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 |i 
 
 to animate the well-disposed, but to counteract tlio 
 machinations of the disaffected. The confident tone of 
 his address to the provincial parliament was also pro- 
 ductive of the best effects, whatever inward misgiv- 
 ings he might have felt ; and those who were dastardly 
 enough to join the invaders of their native or adopted 
 country, were quickly taught to repent of their base- 
 ness and treason. And the British general's empha- 
 tic assurance to the legislature, prophetic as it proved 
 in this contest, should not be forgotten in a future 
 war by those Canadians who seek to preserve " the 
 richest inheritance of this earth — a participation in 
 the name, character, and freedom of Britons." * 
 
 ! II 
 
 ** BY UNANIMITY AND DISPATCH IN OUR COUNCILS, 
 AND BY VIG0[7R IN OUR OPERATIONS, WE MAY TEACH 
 THE ENEMY THIS LESSON, THAT A COUNTRY DEFENDED 
 BY FREE MEN, ENTHUSIASTICALLY DEVOTED TO THE 
 CAUSE OF THEIR KINO AND CONSTITUTION, CAN NEVER 
 
 BE conquered! " 
 
 * Major-General Brock's proclamation, in answer to that of General 
 Hull, ante. 
 
 Ill 
 
sin ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 223 
 
 the 
 
 B of 
 
 )ro- 
 
 ;iv- 
 
 dly 
 
 )ted 
 
 ase- 
 
 )lia- 
 
 ved 
 
 ture 
 
 ■ the 
 
 1 in 
 
 ;ach 
 
 DED 
 THE 
 iVER 
 
 eneral 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 We have mentioned that Major-General Brock had 
 in the spring provided for tlio protection of Fort St. 
 Joseph, a small British post, distant hy water nearly 
 7(X) miles from York, and situate ahout ''50 miles, also 
 by water, to the north-cast of the American island 
 and fort of Micliilimackinac, or as now often abbre- 
 viated, Mackinaw, wliich island is in latitude 45*^ iJO' 
 north, and longitude 84° 30^ west;* and one of his 
 first cares, on hearinq; of the declaration of the war, 
 was to send, on the 2()th of June, a notification of it 
 to Captain Roberts, who was stationed at St. Joseph 
 with a detachment of the lOth Royal Veteran Batta- 
 lion, accompanied by orders to make an immediate 
 attack upon Michilimackinac, if practicable ; or, in 
 the event of an attack by the Americans upon St. 
 Joseph, to defend it to the utmost. Captain Roberts 
 
 * For a description of this island, sec page iso. 
 
 " Fort Michilimackinac was built by order of the go%'ern or- general of 
 Canada, and garrisoned with a small number of militia, who, having 
 families, soon became less soldiers than settlers. Most of those, whom I 
 found in the fort, had originally served in the French army. 
 
 " The fort stands on the south side of the strait which is between lAke 
 Huron and Lake Michigan. It has an area of twj acres, and is enclosed 
 with pickets of cedar wood; (thuya occidentaDsj) and it is so near the 
 water's edge, that, when the wind is in the west the waves break against 
 the stockade. On the bastions are two small pieces of b'-o.ss Knglish 
 cannon, taken some years since by a party of Canadianrs, who went on 
 a plundering expedition against the posts of Hudson's Bay, which they 
 reached by the route of the river Churchill. 
 
 Within the stockade are thirty houses, neat in their appearance, and 
 tolerably commodious; and a church, in which mass is celebrated, hy a 
 Jesuit missionarv. The number of families may be nearly equal to that 
 of the houses; and their subsistence is derived from the Indian traders, 
 who assemble itcre, in their voyages to and from Montreal. — Henrv'g 
 Travels, (1/61, cited ante. 
 
 u 
 
 i' i 
 
' (I' 
 
 ^'i I 
 
 
 LIFE AXD ronRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 rficoivc'd nt tlie sarno timo nnotlicr letter from Mujor- 
 Goneral Jiroek, dated the 27tli of June, suspending 
 the orders for tlio attack I'rom the uncertainty lie was 
 under of the declaration of war. In a third letter, 
 dated Fort Georfje, the 28th of June, Major-CJoneral 
 Brock, being sutticiently informed of sich a decla- 
 ration, directed Captain ]{obercs to adept the most 
 prompt and effectual measures to possess himself of 
 Michilirnackinae, and for this purpose to feummon to 
 his assistance the Indians within his influence, as well 
 as the gentlemen and dependants of the British fur 
 companies near his jiost. On the day that Captain 
 Roberts received this letter, another reached him 
 from Sir (^»eorge I'revost, dated Quebec, 2ot!i of 
 June, by which he was directed to take every pre- 
 caution to secure his post against any attempt by the 
 onemv, and in case of necessitv to ctYect his retreat. 
 Thus it would seem that the commander-in-chief had 
 forgotten Major-General Brock's* advice a few months 
 previously, and it never occurred to him that the best 
 way to secure St. Joseph was to capture Michili- 
 iiia< kinac. This contrariety of instructions from the 
 two general otficers did not fail to perplex Captain 
 Roberts, who, however, with great promptitude and 
 decision n.ade preparations for the attack, By ano- 
 ther dispatch of the 4th of July, from Major-General 
 Brock, Captain Roberts was left at his own discretion 
 to adopt either offensive or defensive measures, as 
 circumstances might dictate. On the ICdi of July, 
 he accordingly set out with a flotilla of boats and 
 canoes, in which were embarked 4o officers and men 
 of the 10th Royal Veteran Battalion, about 180 Ca- 
 nadians, and nearly 400 Indians, the whole convo} ed 
 by the Caledonia brig, belonging to the North -West 
 compauy ; and on the ensuing morning, the British 
 force effected a landing before Michllimackinac,t 
 the garrison of which, consisting only of Gl oflicers 
 
 * See his letter of the I2th of February, 1812, to Colonel Bayues. 
 t See Captain Roberts' Dispatch, Appeudix A, Sec. 1, No. 2. 
 
SIR ISAAC UKOCK. 
 
 220 
 
 and men, immediately gurrcndcred by capitulation. 
 A quantity of luilitiiry storts and seven liiindred 
 pa(3k8 of furs were ibund in lliu fort, and Its sur- 
 render had a very favorable eft'eet, upon the Indians), 
 a larfre number of whom now joined in open hostility 
 afjainst the Americans. It will bo found by a letter 
 of the l*2th of Aui^ust, from Sir (u'orge Prcvost, who 
 appears to have seen no safety but in defensive mea- 
 sures, that he would not have approved of the attack 
 on Michilimackinac if it had occurred prior to Hull's 
 invasion ! And yet that officer, in his oiiicial dispatch 
 relative to the capture of his army and the surrender 
 of Detroit, attributed his disasters partly to the fall 
 of Michilimackinac, whicli lie said opened the north- 
 ern hive of Indians against him !* 
 
 3Iajor- General Brock to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 York, July 20, 1812. 
 
 I iiave the honor to transmit herewitli a dispatch 
 this instant received from Captain Roberts, announ- 
 cing the surrender by capitulation, on the 17th in- 
 stant, of Fort Michilimackinac. 
 
 The conduct of tiiis officer since his appointment 
 to the command of that distant post, has been distin- 
 guished by much zeal and judgment, and his recent 
 eminent display of those qualities, your excellency 
 
 * In his dispatch to the Hon. W. Eustis, tlie American Secretary at 
 War, dated Fort George, Angust 26, I8i'2, General Mull, who is liowever 
 accused by iii.s own countrymen viUi having (greatly magnified his diffi- 
 culties, said • " After the surrender of Michilimackinac, ahnost every tribe 
 and nation ot Indians, excepting a part of tlio Miamies and Dclawares, 
 north from beyond Lal<e Sapcrior, west from beyond tlie Mississippi, 
 south from tiie Ohio and Wabash, aiul east from every part of Upper 
 Canada, and from all the intermediate country, joined in open hostility, 
 under the British standard, against the army 1 commanded, contrary to 
 the most solemn assurance of a large portion of them to remain neutral ; 
 even the Ottowa chiefs, from Arbccrotcli. who formed the delegation to 
 Washington the last summer, in whose frieiidsiiip I know you had great 
 confidence, are among the hostile tribes, and several of them distinguished 
 leaders. Among the vast number of cliiefs who led the hostile bands, 
 Tecumseh, Marpolt, F.ogan, Walk-in-tlie-Water, Split-log, &c., are con- 
 sidered the principals." 
 
 1* 
 

 S if 
 
 f: [| 
 
 ii* 
 
 220 
 
 LITE AND COHUKSI'OXDENCF. OP 
 
 will find lins been attended with the most linppy 
 effect.* 
 
 The militia stationed here voluntecrefl this niorninpj 
 their serviees to any part of tlie province, without tlie 
 least hesitation. I Ijave selected 1(X), whom I have 
 dir(!(;fed to proceed witliout delay to Long T*oint, 
 where 1 purpose collectiiif; a force for the relief of 
 Amherslhurn. This exanij)le, I hope, will be followed 
 by as many ;''s may be requir(;d. By the militia law, 
 a man refusinj; to march may bo tined ,£«5, or con- 
 fined three months; and although I have assembled 
 the lej^islatnre for the express purpose of amending 
 the act, J much fear nothing mntorial will be done. 
 Your excellency will f^carcely believe that this infatu- 
 ated house of assemblv have refused, bv a majoritv of 
 two, to suspend for a limited lime the habeas corpus. 
 
 The captnre of Miehilimackinac may produce great 
 changes to the westward. The actual invasion of the 
 province justifies every act of hostility on the Ame- 
 rican tarritory. 
 
 It was not till this morning tliat I was honored 
 with your excellency's dispatches, dated the 7th and 
 10th instant. Their contents, I beg to assure your 
 excellency, have relieved my mind considerably. 1 
 doubt whether General Hull had instructions to cross 
 to this side of the river; I rather suspect he was 
 compelled by a want of provisions. I embark im- 
 mediately in the Prince Regent for Fort George. 
 I return here the day after to-morrow, and shall 
 probably dissolve the legislature. 
 
 Sir George Provost to Major- General Brock. 
 
 Quebec, July 31, 1812. 
 
 I have received your letter of the 20th instant, ac- 
 companied by the copy of two letters from Lieut. - 
 
 * It strikes us as singular that Captain Roberts was not promoted to at 
 least a brevet majority for the capture ot" this important post, altlioiigii lie 
 had an overwhelming: force, and took it without resistance. Was this 
 promotion withheld because the captuic was effected contrary to Sir 
 George Prevost's orders ? 
 
SIR ISAAC niiOCK. 
 
 227 
 
 Colorit'I St. Cioorgo, who is in comnmnd at Amherst- 
 bur«r, ami <onic iutorcsting docinnents f'ournl on hoard 
 a srhooiior, wliioh liad hcon taken hy tlic hoatd of the 
 Jlunlcr. 
 
 In consequence of vomt havinj^ desired Colonel 
 J'roctor to proceed to xVudierstlmrg, and of your pre- 
 sence beinfj necessary at the sent of government to 
 meet the leijishituro of f'pper (\inada, I have taken 
 upon myself to [ilacc Major-Cieneral SheuHe on the 
 staff, to enable me to send him to assist you in the 
 arduous task you have to perform, in the able execu- 
 tion of which 1 have great eonfulence. lie has been 
 accordingly directed to proceed -without delay to 
 Upper Canada, there to place himself under your 
 command.* 
 
 I believe vou are authorized by the commission 
 under uhich you administer the government of Upper 
 Canada, to declare martial law in the event of inva- 
 sion or insurrection ; it is, therefore, for you to con- 
 sider whether you can obtain any thing equivalent to 
 that power from your legislature. 1 have not suc- 
 ceeded in obtaining a moditication of it in Lower 
 Canada, and must therefore, upoti the occurrence of 
 either of those calamities, declare the law n)artial 
 unqualified, and of course shut the doors of the courts 
 of civil law. 
 
 The report transmitted by Captain Dixon, of the 
 Royal Engineers, to Lieut.-Colonel Bruyeres, of the 
 state of defence in which he had placed Fori Am- 
 herstburg, together with the description of the troops 
 allotted for its defence, give me a foreboding that the 
 result of General Hull's attempt upon that fort will 
 terminate honorably to our arms. 
 
 If Lieut.-Colonel St. George be possessed of the 
 talents and resources required to form a soldier, he is 
 
 * This accidciitnl appointment jrained Major-General Sheaffe a baro- 
 netcy a few wcelis afterwards, nad subsiMjuently a rei^rinient. Snch is 
 fortune! At this time Majnr.(;.;neral Shaw, a senior othcer to Major- 
 General Slieaffe, was serving as a colonel of militia w Upper Canada. 
 See page 203. 
 
. . , ja ^^^^mAhUi cUw 
 
 228 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 Mi' 
 
 fortunate in the opporliinit)'- of displayin<; ihem. 
 Should General Hull be compelled to relinquish his 
 operations against Amhersthur<jr, it will be proper his 
 future movements should be most carefully observed, 
 as his late march exhibits a more than ordinary 
 character of enterprizc. 
 
 Your supposition of my slender means is but too 
 correct ; notwithstanding, you may rely upon every 
 exertion being made to preserve uninterrupted the 
 communication between Kingston and Montreal, and 
 that I will also give all ])ossible support to your 
 endeavours to overcome every difiiculty. 
 
 The possession of Maiden, which I consider means 
 Amherstburg, appears a favorite object with the go- 
 vernment of the United States. I sincerely hope you 
 will disappoint them. 
 
 Should the intelligence, which arrived yesterday 
 b}'^ the way of Newfoundland, prove correct, a re- 
 markable coincidence will exist in the revocation of 
 our orders in council as regards America, and the 
 declaration of war by congress against England, both 
 having taken place on the same day in London and at 
 Washington, the 17th June. 
 
 Colonel Bat/nes to 3Iajor- General Brock. 
 
 Quebec, August 1, 1812. 
 
 Sir George yesterday received your letter of the 
 20th with its several enclosures, which are, I assure 
 yon, highly interesting to all, and doubly so to those 
 who feel warmly and sincerely attached to you ; and 
 few, I believe, possess more friends and well wishers 
 than yourself. 100 effective of the Newfoundland, 
 and 50 picked men of the Veterans, left this in boats 
 on Thursday, and, as it has blown a gale of east wind 
 ever since, have I trust made great progress : they 
 were intended to reinforce the garrison of Kingston, 
 and to relieve the company of the 49th that escorted 
 stores to that place. Sir George regrets extremely 
 
SIB ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 00() 
 
 the 
 
 his inability to render you a more etHcient aid, but, 
 under existing circumstiinccs:, he does not feel him- 
 self warranted to do more. 1 regret to find your 
 militia at Sandwich so lukewarm, to call it by no 
 harsher name; but [ fear tliat little can be expected 
 from thofj recently settled, or of American extraction, 
 and with our Canadians we have found a very reluc- 
 tant compliance. I trust we may still look to consi- 
 derublc reinforcements from home this year. We 
 are led to expect the 1st battalioti of the Royals from 
 the West Indies immediatelv, destined indeed to 
 relieve the 41st. I hope wo shall not be disappointed, 
 as our militia will feci bold if well backed ; and I 
 am sure Sir George will reioice in receivinir the 
 means of rendering you further assistance. It ap- 
 pears to be credited that the orders in council were 
 rescinded, in as far as regarded America, on the 17th 
 June, the day the war vote was carried : this will 
 strengthen the oppositionists in the States, and the 
 timid will feel alarmed, not without reason, when 
 they read the glorious and judicious exploit of Cap- 
 tain Hotham, in the Northumberland. 74, in destroy- 
 ing, under circumstances of great difhculfy and peril, 
 two French 44-gun frigates and a sloop, whicli re- 
 ceived a superior degree of protection trom batteries 
 on the shore than can be afforded to Commodore 
 Rodgers in any liarbour of the States. 
 
 The Americans arc forming depots in tlie neighbour- 
 hood of the Montreal frontier and building bateaux 
 on the lake, (Champlain,) but they have not brought 
 forward any considerable shew of strength ; — on this 
 appearance of weakness we cannot rely, as it would 
 answer no good end making a parade before they 
 intended to attack. If they be serious in their views 
 on this province, the attempt will be probably backed 
 by predatory incursions on various points. A corps 
 of militia is kept on the Point liCvi side. 
 
 Our legislature meet this day to terminate the 
 session. One great object lias been accomplished in 
 
 ,f 
 
■ ^.Jt::.^.. 
 
 't*s M-^-> 
 
 jV'j^ .X •Ui -. Ai iAt.>. 
 
 •230 
 
 MFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 (;;* 
 
 I'l 
 
 tlie house, adding tlie provincial security to the army 
 money note bill ; the province pays the interest 
 accruing upon the notes and the expense of the esta- 
 blishment, and they arc constituted a legal tender. 
 Without this step wo were completely at a stand, for 
 we could not obtain money to pay the last month's 
 subsistence to the troops : great benefit is expected to 
 accrue from the operation of the bill. The clergy 
 have engaged to promote the circulation of the notes, 
 all of which above twenty-five dollars bear interest, 
 and all under are payable on demand. 
 
 Adieu, my dear general — may every success and 
 good fortune attend you in the arduous task before 
 you : we cannot command success, but I am sure 
 you will not fail to merit it. 
 
 Lieut, -Colonel Bruyeres, Royal Engineers, to Major-General 
 
 Brock. 
 
 Quebec, August 1, 1812. 
 I take the favorable advantage of this being; deli- 
 
 \ - 1 
 
 vered to you by General SheafFe, to assure you of the 
 sincere interest I feel in the very arduous and impor- 
 tant position you are now placed in to protect and 
 defend a chain of posts, and a country that has been 
 so long neglected. This difficult task placed in any 
 other hands, I should consider very discouraging ; 
 but I acknowledge that I look with a certain degree 
 of confidence to your abilities and perseverance in 
 surmounting every difficulty that must unavoidably 
 occur in a service of this nature. I most fervently 
 and earnestly hope that every possible success may 
 attend all your proceedings, I trust that you will 
 always meet with zeal and activity in the officers of 
 my department, to perform e\cry part of the duty 
 allotted to their charge. It is very diflicult at this 
 distance to suggest any ideas that might be useful, 
 as Qvevy operation in which you are engaged must 
 depend so entirely upon local circumstances, and the 
 
SIR ISAAC nilOCK. 
 
 231 
 
 conduct which the enemy may pursue towards attain- 
 ing the object he has in view. I am glad to find that 
 the new arrival of the Koyalp, expected at Quebec 
 to-morrow, will give you the reinforcement of the 
 49th regiment, which, with the detachments of the 
 Newfoundland and Veterans, and gun-boat No. 7, 
 will add something to your present strength. 
 
 Sir George Prevost to Major -General Brock. 
 
 QFF.nK(^, August 2, 1812. 
 
 Last evening an officer of the 98th regiment arrived 
 here express from Halifax, the bearer of dispatches 
 to me, dated on tlje 22d ultimo, from Mr. Foster, 
 wiio was then in Nova Scotia. 
 
 I lose no time in making you acquainted with the 
 substance of this gentleman's communication. He 
 informs me that Ijc had just received dispatches from 
 England, referring to a declaration of ministers in 
 parliament, relative to a proposed repeal of the orders 
 in coutjcil, provided the United Stales government 
 would return to relations of amity with us, the con- 
 tents of which may possibly induce the American 
 government to agree to a suspension of hostilities as 
 a preliminary to negotiations for peace; — that he 
 proposed sending his majesty's hired armed ketch 
 Gleaner to New York, with letters to Mr. Baker, 
 whom he had left at Washington in a demi-official 
 capacity, with directions to communicate with the 
 American minister, and to write to me the result of 
 his interview. Should the president of the United 
 States think proper to signify that hostile operations 
 should cease on the American side, Mr. Foster sug- 
 gests the expediency of my being prepared to make a 
 similar signification on our part. 
 
 As I propose sending Colonel Baynes immediately 
 into the Ignited States, with a proposal for a cessation 
 of hostile operations, I enclose for your information 
 the copy of my letter to General Dearborn, or the 
 commander-in-chief of the American forces. 
 
 I.--' 
 
232 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 V 
 
 li=U 
 
 >f I 
 
 Mr. Foster also submits the propriety of our ab- 
 staining from an invasion of the United States terri- 
 tory, as only in such an event could the American 
 jTovernment be empowered to order the militia out of 
 the States. I am led to believe from this, that 
 General Hull, in possessing himself of Sandwich, 
 has exceeded his instructions ; particularly as Mr. 
 Foster informs me that Mr. Monroe had told him 
 Fort Maiden (Ainherstburg) would not be attacked, 
 but that General Hull had stated to a friend of his, 
 some time ago, that he \,ould attempt it. 
 
 A report has been made to me that a frigate and 
 six transports, with the Royal Scots (Ist battalion) 
 on board, from the West Indies, are just below Bio ; 
 in consequence of this reinforcement, I have ordered 
 the company of the 49th regiment, sent to Kingston, 
 to remain there ; and in addition to the Royal New- 
 foundland Regiment, and a detachment of an officer 
 and 50 Veterans most fit for service, now on their 
 route to that station, I shall order Major Ormsbj', 
 with three companies of the 49th regiment, to pro- 
 ceed from Montreal to the same post, to be disposed 
 of as you may find it necessary. 
 
 Lieut.-General Sir J. C. Sherbrooke has informed 
 me that one of the transports, with part of the Royals 
 on board, has been captured by the United States 
 frigate, the Essex ; that she has been ransomed and 
 the officers and troops allowed to proceed, upon con- 
 dition that they are not to serve against America 
 until regularly exchanged. The vessel and troops 
 had arrived at Halifax, and will shortly be sent 
 hither. 
 
 
 MaJoT' General Brock to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 York, August 4, 1812. 
 
 I have the honor to enclose a statement made by 
 me yesterday to his majesty's executive council, 
 which will fully apprize your excellency of my situ- 
 
sin ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 233 
 
 ation. The council ad(oarned for deliberation, find 
 I have no doubt will rocouiuiend the prorogation of 
 the assembly and proclamation declaring martial law ; 
 but doubts occurred in contemplation of such an 
 event, which 1 take the liberty to submit to your 
 excellency, and request the aid of your experience 
 and superior judgment. 
 
 1. — In the event of declaring- martial law, can 1, 
 without the sign manual, approve and carry into 
 effect the sentence of a general court martial ? 
 
 2. — Can 1 put upon a general court martial, after 
 martial law is proclaimed, any person not a commis- 
 sioned officer in his majestv's rciiular forces ? In 
 other Avords, can olHcers of militia sit in conjunction 
 with those of the line ? 
 
 Sir George Pravost to Major-General Brock. 
 
 MoNTKEAL, August 12, 1812. 
 
 Your letter of the 4th instant, enclosing the pro- 
 ceedings of tlie executive council of the 3d ; Captain 
 Glegg's letter of the 5th instant, transmitting copies 
 of letters from Colonel Proctor to you of 2()th and 
 30th July, wi'h the correfpondence between liriga- 
 dier-General Hull and Lieut. -Colonel St. George, 
 and the intercepted correspondence of the former, 
 together with your letter to Colonel Baynes, of the 
 4th instant, were all delivered to rae on my arrival 
 at this place yesterday. The information they con- 
 tain is highly interesting, and I lose no time in dis- 
 patching to you Brigade -Major Shekleton, as the 
 bearer of this letter, and for the purpose of receiving 
 whatever communication you may have to make in 
 return. Being fully aware of the necessity of afford- 
 ing you such reinforcements as the exigencies of the 
 service in other parts of the two provinces would 
 permit, I had, previous to the receipt of your letter, 
 luade arrangements for that purpose. 
 
 Major Oraisby, with three companies of the 49lli 
 
234 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 I 
 
 ■ • i 
 
 I'l^^ 
 
 
 f i: 
 
 regiment, protecting a considerable supply of ord- 
 nance and ordnance stores, left La Chine on the (Jtli 
 instant for Kingston and Fort George, taking with 
 him j£2,5<)() for the pjiyment of the regular and 
 militia forces. jNIajor ITeatljoote, with one company 
 of the 49th regiment, about 110 men of the New- 
 foundland regiment, and 50 picked Veterans, are to 
 leave La Chine on the 13th instant. With this de- 
 tachment, an additional supply of ordnance stores 
 and camp equipage for 500 rnen will be forwarded 
 for Upper Canada ; and as soon as a sufficiency of 
 bateaux can again be collected at La Chine, Colonel 
 Vincent is under orders to proceed to Kingston with 
 the remainder of the 49th regiment, and a subaltern 
 of the royal artillei-y and ten gunners, with two 
 3-pounders.* 
 
 When these reinforcements reach you, they will, 
 I trust, enable vou successfully to resist the internal, 
 as well as external, enemies opposed to you, and 
 materially aid the able measures you have adopted 
 for the defence of Upper Canada. 
 
 With regard to the queries you have submitted to 
 me on the subject of martial law, I have to observe, 
 that it has not fallen within my experience to see 
 martial law proclaimed, except in those places where 
 it has been declared under the authority of a provin- 
 cial legislature, which of course regulated the mode 
 in which it was to be executed. As the martial law 
 which you purpose declaring is founded on the king's 
 commission, and upon the extreme case of invasion 
 alluded to in it, I am inclined to think that whatever 
 power is necessary for carrying the measure into 
 effect, must have been intended to be given you by 
 the commission, and consequently, that the power of 
 assembling courts martial and of carrying their sen- 
 
 * The C'anadiatis row at the rate of three miles nn hotir when t}ie wea- 
 ther is perfectly cuhn, and of course, rather more when they ha.ea 
 favorable breeze to assist them ; but, at best, they never (ju further than 
 thirty miles in twoiity-foui hours. The averaf^e length of the passage 
 from La Chine to Kingston is seven days. — Howison's Upper Canada, 1821. 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 235 
 
 fence into execution, is included in the authority for 
 declaring martial law. The officers of militia becom- 
 ing themselves subject to martial law when it is 
 declared, I conceive they may sit upon court? mar- 
 tial with officers of his majesty's regular forces ; but 
 upon both these points I desiro not to be understood 
 as speaking decisively — extreme cases must be met 
 by measures which, on ordinary occasions, would not 
 perhaps be justified. Your situation is such as to 
 warrant your resorting to any step which, in your 
 judgment, the public safety may require. I should 
 therefore think that, after taking the best opinions 
 you can < b ; . fiom the first law characters you 
 have about yoa respecting the doubts you entertain 
 on this subject, you need not hesitate to determine 
 upon that lino of conduct which you shall think will 
 best promote the good of the service, trusting, if you 
 do err, to the absolute necessity of the measures you 
 may adopt, as your justification for them to his 
 majesty's government. 
 
 Your letters rf the 'iOth, 28th and 29th July, with 
 the several enclosures and jiapjrs accompanying them, 
 were received by me shortly previous to my leaving 
 Quebec, the last containing Captain Roberts' official 
 account of the capture of Fort Michilimackinac. 
 Great credit is certainly due to that officer for the 
 zeal and promptitude with which he has performed 
 this service ; at the same time I. must confess, my 
 mind has been very much relieved by finding that 
 the capture took place at a period subsequent to 
 Brigadier-General Hull's invasion of the province, 
 as, had it been prior to it, it would not only have 
 been in violation of Captain Roberts' orders, but 
 have afforded a just ground for the subsequent con- 
 duct of the enemy, which, I now plainly perceive, 
 no forbe&,rance on your ))art would have prevented. 
 The capture of this place will, I hope, enable the 
 Indian tribes in that quarter to co-onerate with you 
 in your present movements againsc the enemy, by 
 
 t' 
 
.f.L'JW.. '.cm .fc 
 
 230 
 
 LIFE AND CORKESPONDENCE OF 
 
 tlireatoning his flanks, a diversion which would 
 grratly alarm liim, and probably have the effect of 
 compelling him to retreat across the river. 
 
 I send you enclosed a copy of the official repeal of 
 the orders in council, which I received last night by 
 express from Quebec. Although I much doubt whe- 
 ther this step on the part of our government will 
 have any effect upon that of the United States, the 
 circulation of the paper evincing their conciliatory 
 disposition may tend to increase and strengthen the 
 divisions which subsist amongst the people upon the 
 subject of the war. I therefore recommend to you to 
 have a number of copies struck off" and distributed. 
 
 Colonel Baynes is still absent upon his mission to 
 the enemy's camp. Your letter to him of the 29th 
 ultimo w^as received at the same time with those I 
 have last acknowledged. Colonel Lethbridge I have 
 directed to return to Montreal. 
 
 The issue of army bills has taken place at Quebec, 
 and I hope to be able shortly to send you a supply of 
 them. 
 
 n 
 
 We have previously alluded (page 225) to that 
 part of the preceding letter which relates to the cap- 
 ture of Michilimackinac. This capture appears to 
 have been effected contrary to Sir George Prevost's 
 orders, as Fort St. Joseph being nearly 3e50 miles 
 from Detroit and Sandwich, and as the expedition 
 left the fort only four days after Hull's invasion, it 
 was scarcely possible that Captain Roberts was then 
 aware of that circumstance. Neither in his letter to 
 the adjutant-general, announcing the capture, does 
 he excuse himself by stating that he had heard of the 
 invasion. In his dispatch to Earl Bathurst, written 
 exactly a fortnight after the preceding letter, and 
 dated Montreal, August 2(3, Sir George Prevost, 
 who ought now to have seen the impolicy of his 
 half-way course, in communicating the surrender of 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 237 
 
 Detroit, expressed himself In very filtered language, 
 as he said : 
 
 " In these measures he * was most opportunely aided hy 
 the fortunate surrender of Fort Michiliniackinac, which, 
 givinjj spirit and eonfidence to the Indian tribes in its neigh- 
 bourliood, part of whom assisted in its eai)ture, determincil 
 them to advance upon the rear and tianks of th(! American 
 army, as soon as tliey heard tliatit had entered the province." 
 
 Sir George Prcvost to Harl Bathurst. 
 
 Montreal, August 4, 18TJ. 
 
 I have the honor to transmit herewith, for your lordship's 
 information, the copy of a report which has been forwarded 
 to me hy Major-General Brock, of the surrender, by eajjitu- 
 lation, of the American post of Miohillmaekinuc to a detach- 
 ment of his majesty's troops from St. Joseph's, under the 
 command of Captain Roberta, of tlie lOtli lloyal Veteran 
 Battalion. This report is accompanied by a return of pri- 
 soners taken, and of the stores which were found in the fort. 
 
 In addition to these, I have a further report of the crews of 
 two vessels, to the number of fortj -three, who were in the 
 fort, havinff fallen into our hands, together with seven hun- 
 dred packs of furs. 
 
 * Majo '- General IJ rock- 
 
238 
 
 LIFE AND COUIlESPONnENCE OF 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 ^lA 
 
 Wliilsf Major-Gcncrtil Brook impatiently linijered 
 on the Niagara frontier, so asi to {^ive time to the 
 legislature to atfscmbie at York, lie dispatched Colonel 
 Proctor, of the 41sr rcf^iment, to assume the com- 
 mand at Audicrsthurg, where he arrived on the 2()th 
 July, Its garrison consisted of a suhaltern's detach- 
 ment of the royal artillery, of CX) men of the 41st 
 regiment, and of about the same number of militia. 
 Captain Chambers was also detached from Fort 
 George, with 60 men of the 41st regiment, to the 
 Moravian town, for the purpose of collecting the 
 militia and Indians in the neighbourhood, and then 
 advancing upon the left flank of the enemy. Of the 
 same regiment, (JO men were further scut to Amherst- 
 burg, and 40 to Long Point, to collect the militia in 
 that quarter. General Hull, at^ter crossing to Sand- 
 wich, remained for some time nearly inactive, con- 
 tenting himself with a petite (jnrrre of out-posts, 
 under the pretext of making preparations for the 
 reduction of Amherstburg, or Maiden, as the Ame- 
 ricans called it, which lay but sixteen miles below 
 him, and was uot in a condition to withstand a regu- 
 lar siege.* During this pause, three detvichrnents of 
 his army were on three successive days foiled in 
 attempts to cross the bridge at the river Canard, 
 
 * General Hull's head quarters were estahlished at Mr. Baby's house, 
 nearly opposite to Detroit, anil around wliieh most of his'troops were 
 encamped 'n a hollow s(iiiare, a breast work being erected on three sides, 
 and the fourth, which bounded the ri\er, being defended by artillery. 
 
8TR ISAAC nitorK. 
 
 ii:ji) 
 
 siiarcoly four idUcs from Arnhorstburp; ; md if. wns 
 on one of tlieso occasions tiuU tlio afterwards cele- 
 brated Tecuniseh first made binisfjf conspieuons as a 
 most valuable uiixiliary on the Hritiirli side, tlic enemy 
 retreating before bim. Micliiliuiackinae bad fallen 
 since tbe invasion, and tbe Indians from tbat quarter 
 were flockinj^ lo tbe Britisb staiuLird. Uur na%al 
 force being !?u|teri<>r on llie lake, Colonel Proctor 
 jmsbed over to 13rown«town, an Aniericaji villajre, 
 about 2'"> miles from Detroit, and nearly ojtposite to 
 Amberstburg, a small dctaelimont of I'lie 41. st, regi- 
 ment, and some Indians under Teeumseb, wbo, witb 
 70 of tbe latter, awaited in ambusb near tbat village 
 a parly of 200 Americans, under Major Van Hume, 
 on tbeir marcb* fW»m Detroit to tbe River Kaisin, 
 (40 miles soutli of Detroit,) to meet a detacbment of 
 volunteers from Obio, witb a couNoy of )>rovisions 
 for Hull's army. Tbe Indians, firing suddenly, kill- 
 ed 20, including »> ofiicers, and M'oimded about tbe 
 same number of tbe Americans, wlio bastily retreated, 
 and were pursued seven miles by tbe warriors alorie, 
 not u Britisb soldier being engaged. In this affair, 
 wliicb occurred on tbe r>tb of August, General Hidl's 
 dispatches and tbe correspondence of bis troops fell 
 into the bauds of Tecumseb, and it was partly tbe 
 desponding nature of tboir contents wbicb afterwards 
 induced Major-General Brock to attempt tbe capture 
 of tlie American armv. Foiled in tbe reduction of 
 Fort Amberstburg; disap|)ointcd in bis hope of a 
 general insurrection of tbe Canadians ; and, "above 
 all, dismayed at the report of General Brock's reso- 
 lution to advance against bim," t Hull's schemes of 
 conquest, vanished j atid lie .vho, less than a monllj 
 
 fl 
 
 * The captain of the spies was killed and scalped on the morch. " Thus 
 fell the brave, generous and i)atri(jtic McCnlloth, captain of the spie.s," 
 — and in a foot note a few pai^jes before — "Captain McCulloci), of the 
 spies, sculped an Indian, wlii*ni he Ivilled in the engagement," in Fpper 
 Canada ' We qnote nnw Hn.wn's Anicriran History, so it appears tfiat 
 at least one patriotic American could scalp as well as the InJians ' 
 
 t Christie's Memoirs, before cited. 
 
240 
 
 MFi: AND COKKESI'ONDKNfE OF 
 
 if 
 
 before, lind liindod in C'fmatla bofistfiil of his strength 
 nnd breatliinf^ cxtorniination, now saw no other alter- 
 native tlian a liasty return to Detroit, under the pre- 
 tence of concentrating his forces ; and after ro-opening 
 liis communication vvitii the rivers Kaisin and Miami, 
 through \\hioh lie recei\((l Iiis supplier, of resinning 
 offensive operations. Aecordingly, (>n the 7tii and 
 Hth of Autrnst the American army rc-crossicd the 
 river, witli the exception of a garrison of 2«'>0 men 
 left in cliarge of a j-mall t'ortificalioti they iiad thrown 
 up on the Jtrifi.sh eidc, a h'ttic beh)w Detroit, and 
 Avhicli tliey evacuated and destroyed before the arrival 
 of Major-Crencrai Brock.* On the '.)th of August, 
 a body of (WK) Americans, accompanied by a detach- 
 ment of artiih-'ry with one 0-pounder and one liowit- 
 zer, sent to dislodge the British from Brownstowu 
 and to open a commiitucallon with the Jlivcrs Ilaisin 
 and Miami, was met by the white troops and Indians 
 under Captain Muir, of tlie 41st, at Moguaga, between 
 Brownstown and Detroit; and here fell the first 
 Jiritish soldiers who were slain in that Mar, Tiie 
 British force, consisting of T.") men of the 41st, (W 
 luilitia, and 190 Indians — total, 325 men — was 
 compelled to retreat Avith some loss, bnt in such 
 order that the enemy was content to encamp on the 
 battle ground, from which lie retraced liis steps two 
 davs afterwards to Detroit. The Indians under 
 Tecumfaeh, flushed by their recent success, fought 
 with great obstinacy, and about 40 are said by the 
 American historian. Brown, to have been found dead 
 on the field ; but this number of slain is doubtless 
 grossly exaggerated. 
 
 From the moment that Major-General Brock heard 
 of the invasion of the western district, he determined 
 on proceeding thither in person after he had met the 
 legislature, and dispatched the public business. Hav- 
 ing expressed a -wish of being accompanied by such 
 of the militia as might voluntarily otfcr their services, 
 
 * Christie's Memoirs. 
 
SIR I9AAC nnocK. 
 
 241 
 
 oiM), ''rincipiilly tlio sonx of vctorari soldiers who hfid 
 settl.'<l ill tlic proviiicf, clictrrully ('ainc furnunJ for 
 tliat |)ur|ios(!. Tim ilireatoiiiii}^ allitudr, liownvcr, of 
 the enemy on flio i\ia<iara frontier, ohjiijjcil the poiiorul 
 to content liiiiiself with half thin nnnihor; and ho 
 left York on the (ilh of Aiic,nist for JJurlin^^ion Hay, 
 whence he proeeeded hy land for Loiii; JVunt, on 
 Lake I'^rie. Jii parsing the Mohawks* \dia'4e, on the 
 Grand lliver, or Onse, he desired the Indians there 
 to tell him who were, ai:d who wore not, his i'riends ; 
 and at a eouneil held on tlic 7tii of An^Misf, they 
 promised that about. (M) of their numher should follow 
 him on the ensuitij; Monilay, the lOth. At liOnj^ , 
 Point, 40 regulars and '2(i() iniliiia embarked with 
 liiin on the -8th r.\' the same month in boats of every 
 deserijttion, toll L'ted anion;^ in' nei;j;hhoiirinpf far- 
 mers, who usually (inpioy* l them for traiisp(»riini^ 
 their corn and Hour. The d'stance from Long Point 
 to Amherslbur^; is about "TK) milcM ale sj^ the shore, 
 which in many j)arts \<^ a j)rce' -itou^ bank of red 
 clay and sand, from oru to {v hundred I'eet hi<^li, 
 with scarcely a creek for shelter. The little Hot ilia 
 encountered heavy lain Jitd teinpestu is w<;ather, 
 but nothinjr could for a moment retard its pro|^ress, 
 or diminish the confidence oC the men in their ir.vio- 
 fati;;ablc leader.'^ Anionic hl> <j:eneral orders, from 
 the commencement of hostilities, the only one relating 
 to this vovaue is the following, which, from the sin- 
 gularity of the circumstances attendin;^ it, is thought 
 worthy of being preserved : 
 
 G. O. Heap Qt'ARXKns, 
 
 Puinte uu\ Piiis, Autjiist IrJ, 181'2. 
 
 It 13 Major-General Brock's intention, (jlioukl tlje wind 
 continue lair, > ; roceeil during the niglit ; officers com- 
 
 « " In consi'qiu'noe of the shnUownosh. of Lake Krie, it hei'omcs rou^li 
 and boisterous when the wind hiuws strnnfrly fn)in any (loint o! the 
 compass. At these times, a very hi>fh urul (laiigi-rous surf hreak.s upi;n 
 its shores, v ; icli, in many (ilaccs, resenibU' the beach <.f tlie sea, being 
 sttel^'ea wi^li dead fisli and slu'lls, and infesteil wiHi aciuatic birds of 
 vartoi"; ..ii.ds. Seairtly u siinuner passes in which tliere is not some 
 shippuig lost on Lake lA[e,"—U'jvii,ijn's Cpp'r I'unadn. 
 
 vAi'ti^i^.-Mlr. 
 
242 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 
 ^:f 
 
 
 1 I 
 
 i. \. 
 
 maiiding boats will, therefore, pay attention to the order of 
 8Hilin^,a9 directed yesterday ; the greatest care and attention 
 will be required to prevent the boats from separating or fall- 
 ing behind. A ^reat part of the banks of the lalte, where 
 the boats will this day pass, is much more dangerous and 
 diffifjult of access than any we have passed ; the boats will, 
 therelore, not land except in the most extreme necessity, and 
 then great care must be taken to choose the best place for 
 beaching. 
 
 The troops being now in the neighbourhood of the enemy, 
 every precaution must be taken to guard against 8urj>rise. 
 
 By Order J. B. Glegg, 
 
 Aide-de-Camp. 
 
 [Tlio manuscript copy give-? the date ns " Pdintc an Piince," but this 
 appears to he a misnomer either ot Captain Glegs or ot the copyist. 
 Pomte aux Pins sii^iiifies literally in English, the Point of Pine Trees.] 
 
 After five dav3 and nifrhts of incessant exertion, 
 the litllo squadron readied Andierstburg* shortly 
 before midnifjjht on the 13tlj, and in a rou<z;li sketch 
 in the handwriting of Major-General Brock, he ob- 
 served : " In no instance have I seen troops who 
 woukl have endured the fatignes of a long journey in 
 boats, during extremely bad weatlier, with greater 
 cheerfulness and constancy ; and it is but justice to 
 tills little bund to add, that their conduct throughout 
 excited mv admiration." f 
 
 Soon after their landing at Amherstburg, the at- 
 tention of the troops was suddenly roused by a >trag- 
 
 ^ The American hiBtorian, Brown, observes ; " In the meanwhile, 
 Michilimackiiiac surrtfndereii to the British without resistance. The 
 inflefatiffal .( Brock, with a reinforcement of tOu tegulars, arrived at 
 Maiden ; and several Indiku Vrihcs, betore hesitatiiifj: in the choice of 
 sides, beijan to take their ground and array themselves under the British 
 standard." Vol. i, page fij.— 400 regulars ! 
 
 t "The bravery of the Canadian mibtia, which was brilliantly conspi- 
 ciiou'- on many orcasi(jns, has neither Iteen siifticiently known, nor duly 
 appii'iiated, on the other •^ide of the Atlantic. The regular troops on 
 foreign service have generally a good opportunity of securing to llu m- 
 selves all the glory that results frntn a successful campaign, although a 
 pan only niay beliing to them ; as they are always inclined to under .alue 
 the services of the militia, and often ticat tVem with contempt and ridi- 
 cule, merely because they have not been initiated into the minutia; of 
 mditary discipline and parade. I am aware that the gallantry of the 
 native battalions of l.'pper C^anada has been kept in the back ground, by 
 this want of generosity which prevj^ils ajuoug the regular trooi»8."— 
 Hvuiaon'ii Upptr Canada, 1821. 
 
 I 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 243 
 
 gling fire of musketry, which in a few minutes became 
 general, and appeared to , proceed from an island in 
 the Detroit river. Colonel Elliott, the superintendent 
 of the Indians, quick!}- explained that the firing arose 
 from the Indians attached to the British cause, who 
 thus expressed their joy at the arrival of the rein- 
 forcement under their white father. Major-General 
 Brock, aware of his scarcity of the munitions of war, 
 sent Colonel Elliott to stop tliis waste of powder, 
 saying : " Do, pray, Elliott, fully explnin iny wishes 
 and motives, and tell tlie In<lians that I will speak 
 to them to-morrow on this suhject." His request was 
 promptly attended t \ and Colonel Elliott returned in 
 about half an hour with the Shawatiee chief, Tecumseh, 
 or Tecumpthe, already mentioned. Captain Glegg,* 
 the aide-de-camp, being present, had an opportunity 
 of closely observing the traits of that extraordinary 
 man, and we are indebted to him for the following 
 graphic particulars: *' Tecumseh's appearance was 
 very prepossessing ; his figure light and finely pro- 
 portioned ; his age I imat;ined to be about five and 
 thirty ;t in lieight, five feet nine or ten inches; liis 
 complexion, light copper ; countenance, ovaK with 
 bright hazle eyes, beaming cheerfulness, energy, and 
 decision. Three small silver crowns, or coronets, 
 were suspended from the Jower cartilage of his aqui- 
 line nose ; and a large silver medallion of George the 
 Third, which I believe his ancc^to^ had received from 
 Lord Dorchester, when governor-general of Canada, 
 was attached to a mixed coloured wampum string, 
 and hung round his neck. His dress consisted of a 
 plain, neat uniform, taiiued deer -skin jacket, with 
 long trousers of tlic same material, the seams of both 
 beinir covered with neatlv cut fringe ; and he had 
 on his feet leather mocassins, much ornamented with 
 work made from the dyed quills of the porcupine. 
 " The first and usual salutation of shaking hands 
 
 * Now Colonel Glegg, ofThursteston Hall, Cheshire. 
 + His age was theu about forty. 
 
•244 
 
 LIFE ANn COKRRSPONnENCE OF 
 
 fl 
 
 I 
 
 bc'intr over, an allusion was made to tlie late firinir 
 of riiuskt'try, and Tccunisoh at once approved of the 
 roason uiven bv iNInior- General Brock for its dis- 
 continuance. It being late, the parties soon ^Jepa- 
 rateil, with an undcrytandin*^ tlint a council would bo 
 held the iullo\vin|j^ morning'. Tliis accortlinp;ly took 
 place, and was aitended by about a thousand Indians, 
 wiiose equipment jj^enerally might be considered very 
 imposing. The council was opened by General Brock, 
 who inforined the Indians that ho was ordered by 
 their great fiither to come lo their assistsmcc, and, 
 with their aid, to drive the iVmcricans from Fort 
 Detroit. His speech was highly applauded, and 
 Tecumseh was unanin)uusly called upon lo speak in 
 reply. He commenced with expressions of joy, that 
 their great father beyond the great salt lake (jiieaning 
 the king of England) luid at length awoke from his 
 long sleep, and permitted his warriors to come to the 
 assistance of his red children, ^\h() had never ceased 
 to remain steady in their friendship, and were now 
 all ready to shed their last drop of blood in their 
 great fatlier's service. After some sj)eeches from 
 other chiefs, and replies thereto, the council broke 
 up. General Brock, having quickly discovered the 
 superior sagacity and intrepidity of Tecumseh, and 
 his influence over the Indians; and not deeming it 
 prudent to develop before so mixed an assemblage 
 the views which were at that moment iipperTuost in 
 his thoughts, and inhMided to be carried so (juickly 
 into execution, directed C'olont^ Elliott lo inform thia 
 Shawanee chief that he wished to see him, acconq)a- 
 nied by a tew of the oldest chiefs, at Colnuol Elliott's 
 quarters- There the general, through the medium of 
 iuler]>retcrs, commutiicited his views, and explained 
 tin; manner in which he intended to carr> into execu- 
 tion his operations against Eort Detroit. The chiefs 
 listened with the most apparent eagerness, and ex- 
 pressed their unanimous assent to the proposed plan, 
 assuring General Brock that their co-operation, as 
 
Sm ISAAC IJHOCK. 
 
 245 
 
 It 
 
 pointed out, miglit be depended upon. On (xeneral 
 Brock askini^ whether tlie IShawanoe Indians could 
 be indiieed to refrain from dririkiM<r spirits, Tecumseh 
 assured biiu that his warriors niiihl be relied on, 
 addin":, that before tliey loft their country on the 
 Wabasli river, they had promised him not to taste 
 that pernicious liquor until they had humbled the 
 *' big knives," meaning the Anu'ricaus. In reply to 
 this assurance. General Brock brietlv said: ' W this 
 resolution be persevered in, you must conquer.'" 
 
 From a pjeneral order issued at Amherstburg on 
 the 14th of August, by Major-General Brock, in 
 whicli his arrival in tlie western district was an- 
 nounced, we CNtract the following ])a8s.ages ; the 
 mention of the three brigades, none >f which could 
 have exceeded 2-50 men, reminding us of the equally 
 weak divisions of Cortes, when ho landed in Mexico, 
 in the year 1519, with about (MX) uitii. 
 
 "The innjor-gcnoral cannot avoiil expressin^r his sury)rise 
 at the numerous desertions which have occurred from the 
 ranks of the militia, to which circumstance the long stay of 
 the enemy on this side of the river must in a ^reat measure 
 be ascribed. He is willing to believe that ilieir conduct pro- 
 cei'ded from an anxiety to get in their harvest, and not from 
 any predeiiction for the principlis or government of li»e 
 Luited States. 
 
 " He requests officers eonimandinc corps to traubmit to him 
 the names of sucli militiamen jh liave remained faithful to 
 their oaths and duty, in tirder that immediate measures may 
 be taken to disdiarge their arrears of pay. 
 
 ** Captains Muir> Tallon, and Chamber", 4].st regiment; 
 Captain CJlegg, 4'Jlh regiment ; Captain Mockler, Royal New- 
 foundland Regiment ; and Captain Dixon, Koyal Engineers, 
 are appointed to the rank of majors, so long as the local 
 service, on which they arc employed, continues. 
 
 "The troops in the western district will be formerl into 
 three brigiidcs. 
 
 " First brigade, under Lieut. -Colonel St. George, to consist 
 of a detachment Royal Newfoundland R.-^giment, and of the 
 Kent, and 1st and "id regiments of Essex militia. 
 
 '• Second brigade, under Major Chambers, to consifet of ."iO 
 men 41st regiment, and the whole of the detachments of the 
 York, Luicoln, Oxford, and Norfolk militia. 
 
 
('^ 
 
 246 
 
 LIFE AND CORBESPONDENCJG OF 
 
 i 
 
 I ^ : 
 
 ';i I 
 
 I. J 
 
 II M 
 
 f ? 
 
 "Third brigade, under Major Tallon, to consist of the re- 
 mainder of the 4l9t regiment. 
 
 <• Colonel Proctor will have charge of the whole line under 
 the orders of the niojor-pencral. 
 
 "James Giveins, Esq., late captain of the Sth regiment, is 
 appointed provincial aide-de-camp, with the rank of major 
 in the militia." 
 
 On tlie following day, the American commander 
 was startled by a summons to surrender ; and so 
 resolute a demand seems to have struck him with 
 dismay, as at the worst he liad never contemplated 
 a pursuit into his own territory. 
 
 Head Quarters, Sandwich, Aug. 15, 1812. 
 
 The force at my disposal authorizes me to re(iuire of you 
 the immediate surrender of Fort Detroit.* It is far from my 
 inclination to join in a war of extermination ; but you must 
 be aware that the numerous body of Indians who have at- 
 tached themselves to my troops, will be beyond my control 
 the moment the contest commences. You will find me dis- 
 posed to enter into such conditions as will satisfy the most 
 scrupulous sense of honor. Lieut.-Colonel M'Donell and 
 Major Glegg are fully authorized to conclude any arrange- 
 ment that may lead to prevent the unnecessary effusion of 
 blood. 
 
 Isaac Biiock, 
 Brigadier-General Hull. Major-General. 
 
 Hull refused to see Captain Glegg, who carried 
 the summons, and, after detaining him upwards of 
 two hours, returned the following answer : 
 
 Head Quarters, Detroit, Aug. 15, 1812. 
 
 I have received your letter of this date. I have no other 
 reply to make thsui to inform you, that I am prepared to 
 meet any force which may be at your disposal, and any consc- 
 fjuences which may result from any exertion of it you may 
 think proper to make. 
 
 VV. Hull, Brigadier-General, 
 Commanding the JN. W. Army of the U. S. 
 
 * Tlie Americnn historian, Tliomson, in his "Sketches of the War," 
 says that Gi'iieral HnU surrendered " to a body of troops inferior in quality 
 as well us number I" and he aads : "Wiien General firock said tliat the 
 force at bis disposal authorized him to require the surrender, he must 
 hav? Iiad a very exalted opinion of the prowess of his own soldiers, or a 
 very niistaken oue of tliose who wore coniiuunded b> the Aoicticau 
 general." 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 247 
 
 Notliinjj daunted, and contrary to the advice of 
 Colonel Proctor and other of his officers, Major- 
 General IJrock at once determined on crossing the 
 river, with the view of attempting, by a sudden and 
 resolute attack, the annihilation of the enemy's power 
 in that quarter. In the afternoon, a fire was opened 
 from a battery of Hvc puns, erected opposite to De- 
 troit, under the direction of C'aptain Dixon, of the 
 Iloyal Engineers : this cannonade was returned from 
 seven 24-pounders, but the liritish general, perceiving 
 that little effect was produced by either fire, gave 
 orders that his should cease. The troops retired to 
 their bivouac and lay on their arras, with orders to 
 cross the strait, or river, which is here about three- 
 fourths of a mile in width, on the following morning. 
 Accordingly, at about six o'clock, on Sunday, the 
 l()th of August, the fire from the British battery 
 having been previously resumed, 33() regulars and 
 400 militia were embarked, with five pieces of light 
 artillery, in boats and canoes of every description, 
 and soon effected a landing, without opposition, near 
 Springwell, four or five miles below Detroit. About 
 COO Indians, under Colonel Elliott, had crossed the 
 river during the night, and were ordered to be so 
 placed as to take the enemy in flank and rear, should 
 lie attempt to oppose the landing. The wlite troops 
 marched towards the fort, while the Indians moved 
 through the skirts of the M'oods, and covered the left 
 flank, the right resting upon the river, and protected 
 by the Queen Charlotte, colonial vessel of war. The 
 enemy's effective force was estimated at nearly 2,500 
 men, and, supported as they were by a neighbouring 
 fortress, it required no little daring to pursue them 
 on their own ground with such unequal numbers. 
 But the race is not always to the swift, or the battle 
 to the strong, and perhaps at this moment the British 
 general remembered the remark of the eloquent Taci- 
 tus : " hi rebus bellicis maxima dom'matur fortuna.'^ 
 Contrary to Major-General Brock's expectation, the 
 
248 
 
 LITE AND COUUESPONDENCE OF 
 
 . i 
 
 ,'t 
 
 ■ 
 
 . ■^ 
 
 h'^ 
 
 V i 
 
 \ ' 
 
 Americans abaiitloncll a commaudinj^ eminence, 
 gtnii^tliencd by pickets and two 24-|}OMnderp,* and 
 retreated into the fort on tlie advance of tlie British, 
 who liaited in a ravine within a mile and a half, and, 
 discovering tlio weakness of the works on the land 
 side, j)rc|)arcd for its assanlt. While the various 
 columns wt;re formin<2^ for that purpose, a boat with 
 a flag of truce was seen crossing the river to Sand- 
 wicl), and soon after another flag, home by Captain 
 Jlnll, emerged suddenly from the fort — Liout.-Colonel 
 M'Donell and Captain (rlegg accompanied him back ; 
 and at mid-day the British troops marched in with 
 General Brock at their head, the American general 
 having assented to a capitulation, by which the 
 Michigan territory, Fort Detroit,! with thirty-three 
 pieces of cannon,:}: the Adams brig of war, and about 
 2,/)(K) troops, including one company of artillery, 
 some cavalry, and the entire 4tli U. S. regiment of 
 infantry, with a stand of colours, were surrendered to 
 the British arms. An immense quantity of stores and 
 the military chest were also taken ; and as tlu-re was 
 a great deflciency of arms in the Upper Province 
 wherewith to equip the militia, the 2,50(> stand of 
 American became a valuable ac(piisition. To this 
 surrender the after preservation of Upper Canada, 
 at least, may in a great measure be ascribed, as it 
 caused a delay of nearly a whole year in the success- 
 ful meditated invasion, § and secured the support of 
 some of the Indian tribes, who were hesitating as to 
 the side they should espouse. The event indeed il- 
 lustrated a maxim of Napoleon, ** that, in war, the 
 moral is to the physical force as three parts to one." || 
 It was the more fortunate that Major-General Brock 
 
 * The 24-poundcrs were each hiadecl with six dozen prape shot. 
 
 t A description of Michigan and Detroit is pivcn at page \h-.9. 
 
 i Including two or tliroe brass field pieces, captured with General Bur- 
 goyne, at Saratoga, In 1777, and which were retaken hy the Americans, 
 at Ihe battle of the Thames, in October, )8i:t. 
 
 § Appendix A, Section 2, No. l. Jefterson's Correspondence. 
 
 Ij Napier's Peninsular War, vol. i, page 14 1. 
 
SIK iswc fmo( K. 
 
 t24D 
 
 acted with so much promptifmlc and vio;our, bocause 
 larp-e reinforcements were on their way to General 
 Hull ; and not only would that officer's reverse 
 otherwise imvc been (spared, hut the western districta 
 of Upper Canada would probably have, fallen before 
 the ovcrwheluiin^^ nuuibcrs .vhieh would soon jjave 
 been brou'^ht against them. 
 
 The surrender of Detroit was s.» unexpected, that 
 it produced an almost electrical elfect tiirou'^hout the 
 Canadas! : it was. tlie Hrst enterprise ui which the 
 militia"* had been engat^cd, and its success not only 
 imparted confidence to that body, bit it inspired the 
 timid, fixed the wavering, and awed the disaHecled. 
 Major-General Brock from this moment became the 
 idol of the great mass of tlioso whom he governed ; 
 and when he returned to York, whither he arrived 
 on the '27tli of August, he was received amidst the 
 heartfelt acclamations of a ijrateful people, rescued by 
 his recent success from tiie ignominy of submitting 
 to a oomjueror. They remendjerod that In the short 
 space of nineteen days he had not onl} met the legis- 
 lature and settled the public business of the province 
 under the most tr\ ing circumstances that a com- 
 mander could encounter, but, Avith means incrfdibly 
 limited, he had gone nearly 3(M.) miles in pursuit of 
 an invading enemy of double his own force and 
 compelled liim to surrender; thus, without bloodshed, 
 extending the British dominion over an extent of 
 country almost equal to Upper Canada. t 
 
 The conduct of the American general in so tamely 
 surrendering is inexplicable, as Detroit contained an 
 ample supply of ammunition and provisions for near- 
 ly a month, besides an abundance of wheat in the 
 territory, with mills to grind any quantity into flour. 
 
 * In hi? general orders at T>ctroit, Major-Genoral Brock expressed his 
 adiniraUtm of the eoaduet of tlu* several i'oni|)anie8 cT the niihtia who 
 had acc()mi)anied turn; und he nunested " Major Sahnou, Captains Hatt, 
 Heward, Bostwicli, and K ■hinson, to assure Uie officers and men arnlei 
 their respective coinniands tliat tlioir services had b«eu duly appreciated, 
 and would never bo forg^jtten." 
 
 f- Christie's Meaioirs, 
 M* 
 
 I 
 
t^TA) 
 
 LIFE AM) rOnREf5PONDr:NCE OF 
 
 4 
 
 iff 
 
 f'*.[ 
 
 n 
 
 fr ■? 
 
 One of liis officer?, Colonel Lewis Cass,* in a long 
 jetter to the Honorable William J^iistis, the secretary 
 of war at Washington, said : " I have been informed 
 by Colonel Findley, who saw the return of the quar- 
 termaster-general the day after the surrender, that 
 their whole force, of every description, white, red, and 
 black, was 1,0^50. f They had twenty-nine platoons, 
 twelve in a platoon, of men dressed in uniform. 
 Many of these were evidently Canadian militia. The 
 rest of their militia increased their white force to 
 about 7(M). The number of Indians^ could not be 
 ascertained with any degree of precision — not many 
 were ^isiblp. And in the event of an attack upon 
 the town and fort, it was a species of force which 
 could have afforded no material advantage to the 
 enemy. . . . That we were t)ir superior to the enemy — 
 that upon any ordinary princi|)les of calculation wc 
 would have defeated then» — the wounded ajid indig- 
 nant feelings of everv uian there will testify .... I 
 was informed by General Hull, the morning after 
 tlie capitulation, that the British forces consisted of 
 1,800 regulars, and that he surrendered to prevent 
 the effusion of human blood. That he magnified 
 their regular force nearly five-fold, there can be no 
 doubt. Whether the philanthropic reason assigned 
 by him is a sufficient justification for surrendering 
 ft fortified town, an army, and a territory, is for the 
 government to determine. Confident 1 am, tiiat had 
 the courage and conduct of the general been equal to 
 the spirit and zeal of the troops, the event would have 
 been brilliant and successful, as it is now disastrous 
 and dishonorable." {: Hull's behaviour, then, can 
 
 * The same ofticer who, as Gonoral CasH and senator from Michiffan, 
 ovinccd so hdstiio a disposition towanls (Jioat Britala ou the subject of 
 thi' Oregon, in tlie session of Congress of 184,1-6. 
 
 t Doubtless aa error for 1330, the entire British force. 
 
 t Colonel Cass a))peared to thinl< ilie following: couplet from the works 
 of a poet, who tiourishod two centurn-s before, applicable to the general, 
 ■wliose unhappy destiny it was to render the lines singularly prophetic . 
 
 Or witti pretence of chasing: thence the Brock, 
 Send in a cur to worry the whole flock. 
 
 Ben Jonsun, Sad Shepherd, 
 
SIR ISAAC nnotK. 
 
 251 
 
 only bo accounted for by the supposition that the 
 boldness of his adversary's inovi'incnts led him to 
 believe he had to contend with a fir f^reater ])ropor- 
 tion of regular troops; or, that liavinLr threatened to 
 refuse qiuirter to the wliitc man found lightini^ by the 
 side of the Indian, he was af)prchcnsive, in the event 
 of defeat, that this threat would he visited with severe 
 retaliation, particularly by the Indians, whose fury, 
 in a successful assaidt, it might have been very diffi- 
 cult to restrain. To their honor, however, be it said, 
 that although they took a few prisoners on the ad- 
 vance, the enemv sustained :io loss of life bevond 
 that caused by the British batteries ; and in general 
 orders, at Detroit, they were told, that in nothing 
 could they testify more strongly their love to the 
 king, their great father, than in following the dictates 
 of honor and humanity by which they had hitherto 
 been actuated. 
 
 " The news of the surrender of Detroit," says the 
 American historian. Brown, " was so unexpected, 
 that it came like a clap of thunder to the ears of 
 the American people. No one would believe the first 
 report. The disastrous event blasted the prospects 
 of the first campaign, and opened the northern and 
 western frontiers of Ohio to savage incursions. 
 
 *' Previous to the surrender of Detroit, the go- 
 vernors of Ohio and Kentucky, in obedience to the 
 directions of the war department, had detached power- 
 ful reinforcements to the aid of General Hull. Had 
 he deferred the ca|)itulatiou but a few days longer, 
 his army, Detroit, and the Michigan territory, would 
 have been saved. 
 
 " The forces advancing to his support consisted of 
 2,000 militia, under Brigadier-General Payne, and a 
 battalion of mounted riflemen, under Colonel R. M. 
 Johnson, from Kentucky ; a brigade of Ohio militia, 
 under the orders of Brigadier-General Tupper ; and 
 nearly 1,000 regulars, under the command of General 
 
 ' ■ 
 
 i 
 
252 
 
 LIFE AND COIIUKSPONDENCE OP 
 
 I.: 
 
 Winchester. They liad roacliod tlie St. Mary's river 
 when the news of tlie capture of Detroit was received. 
 Dut for the well-timed aTival of the above force, a 
 wide scene of flight and misery, of blood and deso- 
 lation, must have ensued. Nearly half of tlie terri- 
 tory of Ohio must have been depopulated, or ha 
 inhabitants fallen victims to the scalping knife." 
 
 "The chagrin felt at Washington," observes James 
 in his Military Occurrences, '* when news arrived of 
 the total failure of this the first altenpt at invasion, 
 was in proportion to the sanguine houes entertained 
 of its success. To what a pitch of extravagance those 
 hopes had been carried, cannot better appear than in 
 two speeches delivered upon the floor of congress, in 
 the summer of 1812. Dr. Eustis, the secretary at 
 war of the United States, said : ' We can take the 
 Canadas without soldiers ; we have only to send ofli- 
 cers into the province*!, and the ])eoplp, disaffected 
 towards their own government, will rally round our 
 standard.' The honorable Henry Clay seconded his 
 friend thus : ' It is absurd to suppose wo shall not 
 succeed in our enterprise against the enemy's pro- 
 vinces. Wo have the Canadas as much under our 
 command as she (Great Uritain) has the ocean ; and 
 the way to conquer her on the ocean is to drive her 
 from the land. I am not for stopping at Quebec, or 
 any where else ; but I would take the whole conti- 
 nent from them, and ask them no favors. Her fleets 
 cannot then rendezvous at Halifax, as now ; and, 
 having no place of resort in the north, cannot infest 
 our coast as they have lately done. It is as easy to 
 conquer them on the land, as their w hole navy would 
 conquer ours on the ocean. We must take the conti- 
 nent from them. / icish ripver to see a peace till we 
 do. Cfod has given us the power and the means : we 
 are to blame if we do not use them. If we get the 
 continent, she must allow us the freedom of the sea.' 
 This is the gentleman who, afterwards, in the charac- 
 
SIR ISAAC nilOCK. 
 
 253 
 
 tor of a commissioner — ntul it utands as a record of 
 liis iiiiblusliinj;^ npostacy — !«i[riie(.I tlic treaty of peace. " 
 
 Tccuinscli, who was slain iti the year followinfj, 
 headed a |)arty of his warriors on tiiis occasion, and 
 in tljo rou^h sketch already nientioiu'd, Major-Cieneral 
 Brock remarked: *' Amoni^ tli(! Imliuris whom I 
 found at Amliersthurfr, and who liad arrived from 
 distant parts of the coiuilry, there were some extra- 
 ordinary ciiaracters. lie who most attracted mv 
 attention was a Shawanee chief, Tecumseh, tlie bro- 
 ther of tl)P pro[)het, who \\)V tiic last two years lias 
 carried on contrary to otir remonstrances, ;in active 
 war against the United States. A more safracious or 
 a more gallant warrior does not, I. believe, exist. 
 He was the admiration of everv one who conversed 
 with him. From a life of dissipation he has not only 
 become in every respect abstemious, but he has like- 
 wise prevailed on all his nation, and many of the 
 other tribes, lo follow his example.'' Previously to 
 crossing over to Detroit, Major-General Brock in- 
 quired of Tecumseh what sort of i country he should 
 have to pass 'hrough in the event of his proceeding 
 further. Tecumseh, taking a roll of elm bark, and 
 extending it on the ground, drew forth his scalping 
 knife, and with the point presently edged upon the 
 back a plan of the country, its hills, v.oods, rivers, 
 morasses, and roads — a plan which, if not as neat, 
 was fully as intelligible as if a surveyor had prepared 
 it. Pleased with this unexpected talent in Tecumseh; 
 with his defeat of the Americans near Brownstown j 
 and with his having, by his characteristic boldness, 
 induced the Indians, not of his own tribe, to cross 
 the river prior to the embarkation of the white troops, 
 Major-General Brock, soon after Detroit was sur- 
 rendered, took ofi' his sash and publicly placed it 
 round the body of the chief. Tecumseh received the 
 honor with evident gratification, but was the next 
 day seen without the sash. The British general, 
 
 iii; 
 
 i 1 ; 
 
2^54 
 
 LIFE AM) (OnUESPONDENCE OP 
 
 f^ 
 
 fcarinpf that 8oinctliiri»^ hafl llsplondod tlie Indian, 
 sont iiis interproler for {.»> vxplanation. 'I'eciiinsch 
 told liiin, that not wisliinLj '■ > "ear sucli li mark of 
 dibtincliun when an older, and, ai^ lie said, an abh^r 
 warrior tlian himself was present, he liad transferred 
 tlie sash to the Wvandot chief, Uoundhead.* 
 
 The unfortunate General Hull, on his return to the 
 United States, was tried bv a court martial nnd con- 
 denined to death ; but the sentence was remitted by 
 the president, iu consideration of his aj;e and services 
 during the war of independence. [ His name was, 
 Ijowever, struck od" the rolls of the army. He had 
 evidently lost the enerfify of character which had 
 marked his early career ; and although it is most 
 strange that he did not either meet the British in the 
 open field, or try the cliect of a few discharges of 
 grape shot on their advancing column, yet it is due 
 to him to add, that two or three 12 lb. shot fell into 
 the fort from the British battery, killing and wound- 
 ing a few oHiccrs and men,| and that the fort itself 
 was much crowded, not merely with trooj)S, but with 
 the terrified inhabitants of Detroit, who souglit refuge 
 there from the Indians, believing that, with the 
 beginning of the conflict, they would rush into the 
 town, and commence an indiscriminate slaughter. § 
 Thus very few disapproved of the surrender at the 
 critical moment, although so many were loud in 
 condemning it afterwards. Tlie general's son and 
 aide-de-camp at Detroit, Captain Hull, was killed in 
 July, 1814, in the hard -fought battle of Lundy's 
 Lane, near the Falls of Niagara. 
 
 * James' Military Occurrences. 
 
 t For his revolutionary services, sec Appendix A, Section 2, No. 2. 
 
 J An\ong the killed was Captain Hanks, the commaudant of Michili- 
 mackinac at the time of its surrender. 
 
 S General Hull in his dispatch, already quoted, said : " The fort at this 
 tinie was filled with women, children, and the old and decrepit people of 
 the town and country : they were unsafe in the town, as it was entirely 
 open and exposed to the enemy's batteries. Hack of the fort, al)0ve or 
 below it, there was no satcty for them on account of the Indians." 
 
SIR ISAAC nnocK. 
 
 2/5." 
 
 !\rajor-Orncml nr()ck's services tliroiinhout tlii'i 
 short. (:iiTnj)iii<^ri, closed by an ucliif^vpinrnt wliich lii-4 
 CDcrijy and derision crowned witli siioli uniiualihed 
 success, were liij^lily Jippreeiated l»y the jirovortnniMit 
 at home, and were iinniediatoly rcwanh^l with llio 
 order of tlje bath, whicli was then confined to one 
 doijfreo of kniphthood ordy. He was ^azelled to thin 
 mark of his country's approbatinn, so •iratifvin"' to 
 the feelini^M of a soldier, on the iMth of OcIoIkt;* 
 but he lived not lonj^f enonn;h to learn that ho had 
 obtained so honorable a distinction, the knowled^'e of 
 which would have cheered him in Ijis hist motnents. 
 Siujjjularly enou|:jh, ids dispatches, accompafiied by 
 the colours of the I\ S. 4th re^nment, reached London 
 early on the morning of the (Jth oi" October, the anni- 
 versary of his birth. His brother William, who was 
 residinf^ in tin? vicinity, was asked by bis wife whv 
 the park and tower mins were saluting. *' For Isaac, 
 of course," he replied ; *■' do you not know that this 
 is his birth-day?" And when he came to town ho 
 learnt, with emotions which may be easily conceived 
 — emotions rendered the more acute by his recently 
 altered circumstances — that what ho had just said in 
 jest was true in reality; little thinkin*:, however, that 
 all his dreams, all his anticij)ations of a beloved bro- 
 ther's increasintc fame and prosperity would thai day 
 week — one short week — be entombed near 
 
 " Where Nlaijiira stuns with thiiDdcriiiff sound," 
 
 In the first chapter (page 14) we have made men- 
 tion of a gallant Irishman, who, in a very few years, 
 rose from the ranks to the adjutantcy of the 40th ; 
 and as his example may serve as an incitement to 
 young soldiers — especially now that merit among 
 them is oftener rewarded bv a commission than it 
 
 m 
 
 * " WinTKiiAi.r., October 10, irtl2.— His royal higlmoss the prince regent 
 has bee' jj'L-asod, in the name and on the behalf ol his majesty, to nomi- 
 UKtL anil '^(jpoint Major Cicnoral Isaac Bru<.k to be an £xtra Knight of 
 the Most Honorable Order oi the Bath," 
 
 4 
 
250 
 
 LIFE AND CORUESPONDENCE OP 
 
 ( ' 
 
 ■ If' 
 
 >[ 
 
 was at that period — we give a few interesting parti- 
 culars of his life, reiterating our hope that in doing 
 so we do nothetray his conBdence. When we begged 
 of him, soon after the first edition was publislied, to 
 point out any errors, either of omission or commis- 
 sion, into which we might have inadvertently fallen, 
 he replied : " I write this short note merely to ac- 
 knowledge the receipt of yours, and to give you an 
 assurance of my great desire to be at all instrumental, 
 even in the humblest degree, in adding to the fame 
 of ray earliest and best benefactor. And if there 
 were another man for whom I felt an almost equal 
 degree of regard and gratitude, that man was John 
 Savery Brock .... That I might do honor to the 
 general's memory, I have ever striven to sevve my 
 country well ; and the Almighty has bles- ed my poor 
 efforts more than in early life I had eve: anticipated. 
 The poor, uneducated, private soldier, raised up by 
 Sir Isaac Brock until he held in turn his majesty's 
 commissions of ensign, lieutenant, and captain in the 
 army, has been promoted in the civil service of 
 Canada to a silk gown, which he has worn for the 
 last eighteen years. In honor of the general's me- 
 mory I make this hurried statement, and not to 
 gratify any personal feeling of my own." Having 
 subsequently received from him several letters, com- 
 posed with singular perspicuity and elegance, and 
 containing much valuable matter, as well as many 
 incidents which were new to us, we could not forbear 
 expressing to him our surprise that he should write 
 so well, and he then said : *' This too I owe to Sir 
 Isaac Brock — when at York, in 1803, he told me 
 that he intended to recommend me for the adjutantcy, 
 adding : * I not only desire to procure a commission 
 for you, but I also wish that you qualify yourself to 
 take your position among gentlemen. Here are my 
 books — make good use of them.' The orderly room 
 of the 49th I have sometimes called my grammar 
 school, and the mess room my university. Lieute- 
 
 i u 
 
SIR J-JAAC nKiiClC. 
 
 y.>7 
 
 to 
 
 ring 
 
 nants Strctton, Brnckcnhurv, and T/OrlriLS were mv 
 kind toacliiMs. Tlie firsst died a coloia-l — ho was 
 last of tin? 40dj re«;iniciit ; — tlic second retired from 
 the 17th Light Dragoon?? as a captain, and 1 know 
 not wliat !ias become of liiin ; he was the son of a 
 clergyman in Tiinoolnshire, and was an aecompli-hed 
 schohir, and a nohie fellow; — a)i<l the tliird is the 
 present Colonel liOring, now icsiding in Toronto." 
 It was in Augnst, IHO^, at Quehfe, that Lient.- 
 Colojiel Brock made this "noble fellow" sergeant- 
 major, to the sur|)rise of tlie entire regiment, as lu; 
 was the!i onlv in Ids twl'nt^ -second venr, nnd lie 
 further tells us : '' Tn Septenjber, lH(>'J, iit iNIontrcal, 
 Colonel Brock dictated to me while 1 wrote for him 
 in the orderly room. On writing the last word, I 
 liad to pronounce it that he might proceed. Once 
 the last word was ''ascertain," which I pronounced 
 *' ascerten," when he turned to me (for he was walk- 
 ing to and fro in the room) and said : " Ascertain, 
 
 von no; man 
 
 At that time my iiinorance of mv 
 
 deticiencies was very great, and 1 thought myself 
 (juite sutHcient master of die languw. 
 
 oe 
 
 Liscovery ol one error roused me. an 
 
 id I 
 
 But this 
 went into 
 
 town the same day and purchased a grammar and a 
 dictionary, books which 1 had never even seen belore, 
 and on studying them I was amazed at my great 
 I'trnoranee of cver\ thing which the grammar taught; 
 for although I could write and speak pretty accu- 
 rately, because T had read much, chieHy silly ro- 
 mances sold in Ireland to the peasantry, and some 
 ancient history, yet of orammar technically I knew 
 ubr-olutely nothing.'' He adds, that his father held 
 a small farm of fourteen acres and a half, for which 
 he paid in annual rent one guinea jicr acre, and that 
 he worked on this farm until he enlisted into the 
 49th, as his brothers worked also. " Whether my 
 success in the army stimulated them, I know not, 
 but one of them is now a queen's counsel in Ireland." 
 T)jc gratitude of this gallant and self-taught veteran 
 
 1' 
 
258 
 
 LIFE AND COURESrONDENCE OF 
 
 i 
 
 I -If -^ 
 
 to his early putron knows no bounds, as lio writes 
 *' that lie would think a lonjjf lifo well spent in niaiii- 
 festing his frratitnde /"or all he owes to Sir Isaac Brock 
 and to his family ;" but we feci acutely that the man- 
 ner in which he has so ably come forward to rescue 
 some of his benefactors' best deeds from oblivion, 
 has immeasurably repaid the oblip;ation. And who 
 that reads this episode does not think with us, that 
 the protege was well worthy of his patron, or does 
 not entertain towards him, who was once " a poor, 
 uneducated, private soldier," sentiments, as we do, of 
 the highest regard and reverence ? 
 
 Upon some occasion, at Quebec, in 1805, Colonel 
 Brock asked his youthful sergeant-major why Jje had 
 not done pomething he had ordered him to do. The 
 sergeant-major replied that he found it impossible to 
 do it, when the colonel exclaimed : " lly the Lord 
 Harry, sir, do not tell me it is impossible ! Nothing 
 should be impossible to a soldier; the word impossible 
 should not be found in a soldier's dictionary ! " Two 
 years afterwards — in October, 1807 — wheji the same 
 sergeant-major was an ensign in the regiment, he 
 ordered him to take a fatigue party to the bateau 
 guard, and bring round to the lower town twenty 
 bateaux, to embark troops suddenly for Montreal, an 
 apprehension being then entertained that the Ameri- 
 cans were about to invade tlu> province, in conse- 
 quence of the affair between the Leopard and Chesa- 
 peake. On arriving near the bateaux, the party 
 discovered that the tide had left them, and that about 
 two hundred yards of deep mud intervened between 
 them and the water, over which the ensign thought it 
 was impossible to drag the bateaux, which were large, 
 heavy, flat boats. He therefore gave the word, " To 
 the right face," intending to return and r'^port that it 
 was impossible to move the bateaux to the water. 
 But it suddenly occurred to him, that in answer to 
 his report tin, colonel would ask : " Did you try it, 
 sir?" and that on replying in the negative, he would 
 
 ! 
 
 4 
 
SIR ISAAC BI'OCK. 
 
 2.50 
 
 I 
 
 I i 
 
 t i 
 
 sliarply rebuke and send him bnok. He therefore 
 ^avo the word, "Front," and said to tlie H(jldiers: 
 *' I think it injpossihh> for us to put these bateaux 
 afloat, but you know it will not do lor nic to tell 
 Colonel Broek so, unless we try it ; let us, therefore, 
 try — there are the boats; J am sure if it be possible 
 for men to ])ut them afloat, you will do it : po at 
 them" — and in half an hour the boats were afloat. 
 The, ensign then determined never after to consider 
 any thing impossible, before trial, that was not mani- 
 festly so. And he tells us that it must be clear to any 
 one readinjT this statement, tliat it was the sj)irit of 
 Colonel Broek which led to the aecomplishment of 
 his orders, and which was, at the time, of some im- 
 portance, as it enabled the troops to be embarked a 
 day earlier than if the boats liad not at once been 
 conveyed round to the lower town. '' In this way," 
 he adds, " it is that the indomitable spirit of a mili- 
 tary commander is, as it were, infused into the minds 
 of all who serve under him." 
 
 While travorsinfj: the northern sliore of Lake Eric 
 in open Canadian bateaux, in August, 181'2, on his 
 way to Amlierstburg, with reinforcements to attack 
 General ITull, as already narrated, the bateau in 
 which General Broek was ran upon a sunken rock. 
 Oars and poles were immediately employed to shove 
 her off, but, seeing that this was not quickly done, 
 the general jumped overboard, and, as must be sup- 
 posed, every one else in the boat was overboard 
 instantly. Th uoat consequently floated at once, 
 and the crow f <ttiiig on board again, she proceeded 
 on her way. The general then took his liquor case, 
 and gave each man a glass of spirits, to prevent injury 
 from their M'et clotlies. Several gentlemen, accom- 
 ].anying tlie expedition, mentioned frequently after- 
 wards that this single act cf the general in jumping 
 overhoarJ had the most animating effect upon all 
 present, ti.e greater part of the men being raw militia. 
 
 At Amherstburg, Major- General Brock assembled 
 
2(50 
 
 LIFE AND COllRESPOXDEXCE OF 
 
 ! ' it 
 
 V 
 
 a pouncil of war, or perhaps wo should rather say, lie 
 assembled his principal ofHcers, to consult on the 
 propriety of crossing the river to attack the American 
 army and Fort Detroit. Only one of them agreed 
 with liim on the propriety of the decision he had 
 already come to in his own mind. Lieut. -Colonel 
 Nichol,* the quartermaster -general of the militia, 
 eagerly seconded the general, telling him that, as lie 
 had resided for some time at ])etroit, he knew every 
 feature of the town and fort, and that he would lead 
 the troops to any point selected for the attack. I'pon 
 this the general said : *' I have decided on crossing, 
 and now, gentlemen, instead of any further advice, I 
 entreat of you to give me your cordial and hearty 
 support." 
 
 When the troops liad crossed over, the next morn- 
 ing, they formed and advanced in column, at whose 
 ]uivd the general placed himself. On approaching 
 the point where the guns of the fort would bear on 
 the column, Colonel jNichol wont up to him, and 
 said : " Pardon me, general, but I cannot forbear 
 entreating you not to expose yourself thus. If we 
 lose you, we lose all ; let me pray you to allow the 
 troops to pass on, led by their own officers." To 
 which the general answered : " Master Nichol, I 
 duly appreciate the advice you give me, but I feel 
 that in addition to their sense of loyalty and duty, 
 many heie follow me from a feeling of j)crsonal re- 
 gard, und I will never ask them to fo where I do 
 not lead them." The general continued at the head 
 of the column, and as the Americans retreated into 
 the fort without firing their guns outside, the fears of 
 the British for the safety of their chief were not 
 realized. 
 
 Of this gallant Colonel Nichol we are enabled to 
 give the following notice. In 1804, while Colonel 
 Brock was commandiu'X at Fort George, there resided 
 
 * "This was a splendiil little fellow - 
 Couteur, already meiitiuncH. 
 
 ■I knew him weU." — Colonel Le 
 
sin ISAAC HnoCK. 
 
 201 
 
 do 
 
 in the ncif^liboiirliooil <»t Tort J j-ie an individual >vlio 
 kept what in Canada is torimd u "sloie," that is, a 
 shop for pupplyinix such wares and merchandize as 
 the farmers and other irdiahilants re((uirc. It was a 
 retail stm-c of little consideration. With this indivi- 
 
 dual, hv name Hobi'it Nicdiol 
 
 a smart litth^ Hcolch- 
 
 man — Colonel Brock som(:lio\v Ixx-nnio ac(|urinfcd, 
 and, to the surprise of the officers of the 49lh, invited 
 
 liini to the mess from time to timt 
 
 I) 
 
 unntr 
 
 that 
 
 year, Mr. Nichol drew up, at the coluncl's request, a 
 sketcii of Uj)per Canada, shewing its resources in 
 men, horses, j)rovisions, kc- — its most vulnerable and 
 issailable points were indici 
 
 ited -- 
 
 •anO 
 
 I it 
 
 was, 111 
 
 f\ict. 
 
 a militarv statistical memoir. embracin<>' every detail 
 which a commander of an arinv in tlie country could 
 desire in the event of a war. Our informant ailds : 
 
 ik 
 
 Here 
 
 is a curious 
 
 instance of Sir Isaac J>rock' 
 
 foresi^^dit. I saw the document in l^^lrJ, and by that 
 time every sialenient Mas proved to be most accurate 
 and valuable.'' 
 
 On the ealliufr out of the militia, In 181*2, General 
 Br0(dc immediately appoinfeil Mr. 2s'chol to be his 
 quartermaster-general of that force, with the rank of 
 lieutenant-colonel, althou«j:;b the a]ij)ointment i^ave 
 irreat ort'ence at tlic time to some of those hiffb in 
 
 station in the ]>ro\ incial iroverrimcnt 
 
 Tl 
 
 ic services 
 of Colom! Nichol were, after the war, rewarded by a 
 pension from the British rrovernment of i^-OO per 
 annum for his life. He died in 18*24. ■''^ 
 
 The following was related to our inforniant by one 
 who was pre.'jcnt when Cieiieral Brock first met Te- 
 cumseli and hia Indians : 
 
 * Colonel Nichol waf rrally an extraordinary man— naturally plotnirnt, 
 posscsKJnu' a piodiuious nicmury uiul crcat spirit, and, coiisiderini? Ins 
 opiiortunitios, Jiis acqnirt'nu'nt> were in ni'iiiy rifsiiects surpri-.ing'. \aiiily 
 wa>< his f<iil)k', which hovvcvtr iriipoUcd him. h.< it lias (hmc many others, 
 to soar far nbovc nuMliocriiy l.cst he ini^ht he thonylit servile and 
 dependent in iDnseciiicnce ol liis having a potision, he l)ecaine, after the 
 peace, the leadir of t'lc "pposiiion in tiie lionse of asscn-.liiy, and ^-wn 
 infinite trouble to the provincial tfcjeirnnient. It is believed by one who 
 knew hirn well, that "'he wonUI have lollowcd Sir Isaac lirock into the 
 crater ol Vesuvius," so great \».-a8 his rtijani tvx his friend and patron. 
 
202 
 
 LIFE AND C0HIIE9P0M)EN<;E OF 
 
 I If ' 
 
 Among other topics touched upon hy tlie «xencriil 
 in a brief speech, he (.bserved t(» him : " i Jirivc 
 fought against the enemies of our groat father, the 
 king, beyond the great lake, and they have never 
 seen my back. I am come here to fight his enemies 
 on this side tlie great salt lake, and now desire with 
 my soldiers to take lessons from you and your war- 
 riors, that we may learn l)ow to make war in these 
 great forests.'' After a panse, Tecumseh, who was 
 evidently struck with the commanding figure and 
 fine countenance of the general, turning round to his 
 
 f)eople, stretched out his hand, and exclaimed with a 
 ong ejaculated — Ho-o-o-e : " This is a man !" 
 
 The general used to call Tecumseh " the Welling- 
 ton of the Indians." 
 
 Captain kobinson, then n very young man, and an 
 elder brother of the present chief justice of Upper 
 Canada, commanded a niiiltia rifle company, com- 
 posed of the farmers' sons who lived around Jiira, 
 on the expedition to Detroit. Major-General Brock, 
 being anxious to reluni from thence la e\j)cditiously 
 as possible, en/baiked in a small schooner, and took 
 this company with him, partly as a guard on the 
 voyage across Lake Erie. 'J'he general, who was 
 always fond ot young people, was phased with the 
 zeal and activity displayed by Captain Robinson, and 
 evinced his satisfaction not only by his friendly and 
 unreserved intercourse witli the captain, but by his 
 kind and benevolent deportmejit towards his men, so 
 that he won golden Oj)inions from them all. Among 
 other remarks, the general is said to have observed 
 to Captain Robinson : " If this war last, T am afraid 
 that 1 shall do some foolish tiling, for if 1 know 
 myself, there is no want of courage in my nature — 
 I hope I shall not get into a scrape." 
 
 In one of his letters to his brothers, (pa^e 82,) 
 Major-CJencral Brock said that he had visited Be- 
 
SIR ISAAC nuo< K. 
 
 •20.') 
 
 troit, the npi^libourliood of wljioh Mas a di'liclitful 
 country, iar exe* 'diiiL,' any tliiiii: lio liad seen on 
 that continent, a. I a cursory tlc-'cription ot it, as it 
 appeared in 181*2, niiiy provo inttTestin<^. 
 
 The Detroit river, whicli connects ].fike St. Clair 
 and Lalce Eric, extends from iili<)nt lutitude 41' 48' 
 to 42° 18' north, and divides th^it part of Canada 
 from tlie Cnitcil States. Popsessitifj a >al"ihrions cli- 
 inaic, a prodnctive soil, and a uater comniunlcufion 
 vitli the upper and lower lakes and the river St. 
 Lawrence, we can scarcely conceive any ihincf njoro 
 favorable than the freo'jfraphica! position of the adja- 
 cent country. MicJjiqan alfordcd a rich fit id for 
 "fowling'' and H^hinp;, and its forests V( re plentifiiUy 
 supplied witli various kinds of qamo. It was the opi- 
 nion of a former f^overnor of I'pper Canada, Sinicoe, 
 t)i it the peninsula of ijjat province, f(^rined hy Lakes 
 IJuro.i, St. Clair, Kr'w, Onfario, llice, and Sinicoe, 
 would alone furnish a surplus of wheat sutticient tor 
 the wants of Great Britain. The hanks of the Detroit 
 were in many plriees thickly peo)>U<l and in u fair 
 state of cultivation.* The inliabilants on the Canadian 
 side were chiefly of I'^'encli origin, who hc;ran to 
 occupy the country when Canada was still under the 
 dominion of France. They still retained that urba- 
 nity of manners which distinguishes them from the 
 peasantry of most countries. Further back, the 
 country was settled principally by Americans, partial 
 to the United States. 'J'hree or four years after the 
 war, the houses upon the banks of the Detroit were 
 so numerous and so close together, that there was an 
 appearance of a succession of villages for more than 
 ten miles. The farnis were very narrow in front, 
 extending a lon<r "wav back, and were allotted in this 
 
 * " From D troit, to the mouth of Lake lliiron, is c-al'.cil a distance ot 
 eighty miles. Ftniri the tori to Lakt- St. <lair, wliidi is only seven mile'., 
 the lands are 'iiltivate'l on both --nles the (strait, and appeared to be la'ut 
 out in very coinforta'.ile lamih U\ tlie strait, oq the ri^ht baud, i.s a 
 village of Hiiroiis, hiiiI uttht moalhoi LHkeSt. Clair, a village of Ot^a^a.-^" 
 — Hfnry'n 'i'r'irvls, ITCit 
 
1 1 
 
 264 
 
 LIFE AND ( (»HnESPONDEVCE OF 
 
 I 
 
 ii 
 
 awkward and inconvenient form, tliiU tlioi respective 
 occupants niiulit l)C uMc to i-'iuler tr-w.U otlicr uifsist- 
 anee wlien attacked liy the Indiant^, wlio wore at one 
 time very nunuTous and truiihlfsome in tliis vicinity. 
 
 Tlie banks of tlje river Detroit are tlie Eden of 
 TJ|)per Canada, in so far ap regards the production of 
 fruit. Apples, pear>, f)Iunis, pcaclics', tirape*^, and 
 nectarines, attain tlie liii^liest dcj^r* t, of perfection, 
 and exceed in size, beauty, and flavour, those raised 
 in any otlier part of fiie province. ('ider abounds at 
 lh(! table of the meanest |)easant, and there is scarcely 
 a farm that has jiot a fruitful orchard attached to it. 
 Tlie fineness of the iVuit is one consequence of tho 
 amelioration of climate, wliich takes place in the vi- 
 cinity of ihe Detroit river and Lake St. Clair. The 
 seasons tliere are much inild(!r and n)ure serene than 
 they are a few hundred i liles below, and the weather 
 is likewise drier a id less variable. Comparatively, 
 little snow falls d "ing tlie winter, althoiitih the cold 
 is often suflicien. intense to freeze over the Detroit 
 river so stronfjfly, that person"*, horse*, and even load- 
 ed sleighs, cross it with ease arul safety. The springs 
 are somewliat cold and linj^cring, in conse(iuence of 
 the ice on Lakes Huron and St. Clair breakin|v up 
 late and floating down through the Detnjit. In 
 summer, the country jtresents a forest of blossoms, 
 which exhale the most delicious odours ; a cloud 
 seldom obscures the sky, while the lakes and rivers, 
 which extend in every direction, communicate a re- 
 viving freshness to the air and moderate the warmth 
 of a dazzling -un ; and the cleariifss and elasticity 
 of the atmosphere render it equally healthy and 
 exhiiiratinfT.* 
 
 The fort of Detroit was originally' constructed to 
 over-awe the neiiihbouring Indian nations, and its 
 military importaiicc as the ke\ of the upper lakes 
 appears to have been well known to ihem. liut, 
 neither possessing battering cannon nor understanding 
 
 "* Howibon's Upper Canada, i oudou, I8i!l. 
 
sin iH/kAc. nnocK. 
 
 2G;' 
 
 it 
 
 kud 
 
 
 art of attaolviiiLij fortilicd pliiocs, tliry ooiiM oiilv rn- 
 duce tlunn by stratnix<*in or l.iiiiinc, and Di.'truit could 
 always 1k» su|)|)rK'd widj provisions by water. Tn the 
 vear 17'vV the Indliio oi lef, I'mitiMc, whose name 
 lias alr(;;idy appoan-d, ( p!ii;c- IH)^, ) tbrriicd a jmwiM'fiil 
 coidodoracy ot rlic ildlfrt.-nt trilio, Tor llio !)urposo of 
 revengiiij;' ih(;ir past wrotiu;s and of pii'vciitiiig thoir 
 total iiMirpation, wliieh thry wcrt" crronctiiT^ly l«d to 
 hdii'vo was conlt'inpiatcd. Irt !i sodden, jxoneral; and 
 siniultant'ous irrnption on tin' Hriti>^h frontier, thi\y 
 obtained posses'^ion, cliiotly b\ stratnni rn, of Mlehili- 
 mackinac,* Presqu ile, Le H(euf, and \ <.'nango^ wiiii 
 other sinallor post*, ; bnr there ^till remained throe 
 fortresses fonnidable alike by f.heir streni;th aii'l posi- 
 tion, whieh It ^^•us iieei'.'^sary tin.' Indiuns should sidj- 
 due before they eonld reup any permanent advantage 
 from their i^uei'esses. These were Detroit, Niagara, 
 and Pitt-bur<2, , | and di<' tirsi and last, although ho 
 remote from eaeh other, were invested almost at the 
 same iiiontent. The eon<iiininate (nldress which the 
 Indians dis]>layed in this alai'niinj^ war, was sM]ipi>rt- 
 cd by a proportionate decree ui' eourane, determina- 
 tion, and perseveranci^ ; anrl never did they approve 
 tluMiiselves a more stubborn and tormidable efiemy 
 than in this final stand against the eneroaehnnnts of 
 European douiinion and t:i\ ili/ation in .North Ame- 
 rica. General Amhers^t, sensible of ihe daii^er, sent 
 
 * Tlio Kii''"**"* 'J' MichihindckiiiHc ufts sur|)n>ioi|, iiol '.cintr i»\,var(' oi 
 tlie war, uinl the hiilians nmssaiTtii thii'i'dmiths nt tlu t'liijlisli, ii» 
 nuiiitier ahuut lif<. riic trimii^ corisiHtcil nt tlit c )iiuiiiUiiluM! Majoi 
 Ktlu'rin^rt')!!, two siihiilrorus, hii I niiuty 'utdicrs ; ami tlnii' wen , iiime- 
 ovoi. iDur Ktiffli-'li Irailor.s tliiTi'. •>! tlu'^o, Kit-utt riunt Icnutlo. ulxint 
 seventy solitiiMS, uiul m- ntulfr, wrii' killod ; Imt (hi- cuinniHiulaiit, 
 LifUtiMiant i.i'slic, uiui thv rtniiiiiuItT wcic |ir«'sirvo«l t>v flic ortiiuas, hikI 
 restdrcd «t tlir [u'ai'i' Ir, i;"(W. An Knijlisli fi:iili'r AIcmhiiIi'i llrnty, 
 vliOM' tiavf'h li> (anatla aro ooi-a-sionali) ■ itcd 'iiilr, liavin;;- hivn coo. 
 oeak'd iii tin.- Iuiii<t> vi uiif <ii tlir h'rfiicli inlialjitaiits >)»'lit Id tlii' iiia->sH(:r(> 
 from an n|ii-rtiiii' which att'ordt'd t.iiii a i u\v ui th'' aioa ot (in luit lU; 
 dehciihC' It a>f()lltiw.i •' I lulu-Id, in -;ha|ii'-i tlu I'luli'st and mct.it ti-rrihle, 
 tilt- Ifr'jijioiis triumphs III Itaihariari i <(H|ii('ri>i«,. Hio dtad weir «<'Hlpi'(l 
 and manpU'ii ; 'ho dj iii^r w-(-rt wri tiling and vhritkinjr, niidi'v 'he iii^ati'-iti.'d 
 kuifV' and tDmahnwk ; and fnim tlio Ividii •^ <l >oiiu', niipi'il open, th'lr 
 biiti-liiMs well di'iil-ii)j< fiu' 'dcmd scoopi-d tip in the liullow of jciiucd 
 hands, and niiatl'od ajnid shouts ot' raye and vutnry." 
 
 t The aite ot tiie olU Fteuch iwst, Fiit Duquesne, iu Pen iisyl rail iii. 
 
 N 
 
2G(> 
 
 LIFE AND cou;;f,8PONDrnce of 
 
 :» it 
 
 immodifitc siiccourfl to those two vi-';t<'rn cffirrisons, 
 and thus prevented tlieir fall. C't[i<airi Drilzcl', ailoi* 
 conducting', in July, a slron rcintbroon.eni to J)f'troit, 
 vvns induced to think that \c could surprise the In- 
 dian force encarnped ahout throe miles from the furt, 
 and he sat out at ni^h: *. ilh 270 men, adojitirji^ tlie 
 most judiciodH precauris i,o for the secrecy and jjood 
 order of liiii nareh. Hut the Indians, apprized of 
 hisdcsii^n, ^^^■l•e prepared to defeat it; and every step 
 from the iorl only conducted fho Entilibh troops 
 lurlicr int(. ihe jawii of destruction. Their advance 
 waiJ suddenly arrested \>y a sharji tire on their front, 
 which was presently followed hy a similar dischari^o 
 on their rear, and then succeeded by destructive vol- 
 lies from every side. In the darkness, neither the 
 position nor the numbers of the Indians could be 
 ascertained. Did/ell was slam early, and his whole 
 detachment was on the brink ol" irretrievable confu- 
 sion and ruin, when (I'apiain Grant, the next in com- 
 mand, pereeivin<j that a retreat, now ihe last resource, 
 could only bo aci.uinplii'hcd by a resoltito attack, 
 promptly rallied thi: f-urvivors, who, steadily obeying 
 his orders, charged the Indians with so much spirit 
 and success, as to repulse them on all sides to some 
 distance. Havinj^j thus extricated themselves from 
 immediiite peril, the Britisli hastily rej^ained the 
 shelter of the ibrt, with the loss of 70 killed and 40 
 wounded;* and ihc Indians, unable to reduce the 
 fort by a regular siege, and pausing lon*:^ enough to 
 ascertain tliat the garrison was completely on its 
 guard against stratagem and surprise, broke up their 
 camp and abandoned for a uhort time the immediate 
 vicinity of Detroit. 
 
 The Indians, thus grievously disappointed in their 
 designs on Detroit and Pittsburg, now closely be- 
 leaguered Niagara, which they justly considered as 
 not less important. They lioped to reduce it by 
 
 * The nvulot, near wbich thuy fell, is snid to have run with blood, and 
 it now beaio the uaiae of '"JTie BhioUy Ruu." 
 
Hill ISAAC DHO( K. 
 
 iii>: 
 
 famine, and on tlir 14tli of Soptcrnlior, wurrotnidinf; a 
 ctujvoy of provisions wliicli lunl Tu^arly ivncliiMl its 
 destination, tiny succeciied in niukinp; it tlicir prey 
 l)y u sudden ittiick, in M'liich 70 ot' iho Brilisli sol- 
 diers were shiin. Slidrtly nftrr, as a schooner was 
 crossin«i l.'dkc l-rle \viih supplio for Detroil, ^ha was 
 attacked l>v a numerous tleet of ciinocs, in wliicli 
 were nearly 4«HJ Indums. IJnt this aUenipt was \oh» 
 successful ; and, afrcr a warm en^aiienient, the Indian 
 flotilla was repulsed with considrTahie loss, as, in a 
 coidlict wilh an arufcd ve'-'sel, they were iri">''ed to 
 the t;"ne di.-'advantii;^es which attended th'':' >^{. 'ra- 
 tion ,i>^alnst fortified j>Iaces. iNiagara. I rj.-in^: at 
 le> :' h(<M» powerfully reinfurced and W'dl guppTicd, 
 thi I -ans ahandoned all hojie of reducing it, and 
 thei .i.;h confined themselves to heir w*.;Mted pre- 
 datory hos .lity* 
 
 In Jidy of the followuijjj year, (17()4,) (ieneral 
 Bradstreet proceeded with •i,<H)0 men from I'ort 
 Niagara, for the flireotVild purpose of relieving De- 
 troit, which wiis still blockaded hy (*ont,iac, and 
 defended hy iMajoi (iladwyn — f re -garrisoning 
 Michilimackinac — and of compel. inp; the Indians to 
 sue for peace, or, in their phrase, to bury the hatchet, 
 l-'or the transport oi' liie army "n Lake Erie, barges 
 had been luiilt, rapubie of carrying l(X> men each, 
 M'ilh their provisions. The troops, having embarked 
 at Fort Schlausser on the ]4th. coasted the. southern 
 side of the lake, and on the fifih day reached Pros- 
 qu'iU , where the barges were dragged over the neck 
 of land, prububly with more loss of tune than if they 
 had been rowed ruun.l it. <>n the twentieth day the 
 flotilla was oH' the mouth of the river, which falls 
 into Sandusky bay, and it was deternniicd in a coun- 
 cil of war to attack tiie Indian \ illages on the Miami ; 
 but as the troojis ontend the river for that purpose, 
 they were received by a deputation olinang peace, 
 and the chiefs agreed to meet the British general in 
 
 « Gralianu'S History of the IJuitcd States, 
 
IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-S) 
 
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 Photographic 
 
 Sciences 
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 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 
 
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 fii '°J%^ 
 
 
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 LIFE ANT) (JOBRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 fl 
 
 f.i' 
 
 fifteon days ai Detroit, whither tlie army arrived on 
 the 8th of August. The cJiiot's of tlic Miami were 
 punctual, and the Indians being unable to contend 
 with so overwhelming a force, a general peace was 
 quic^<ly concluded, tlje terms oi whicji were dictated 
 by the English, when Pontiac,*^ who was abandoned 
 by his followers, and was unwilling lo trust his for- 
 tunes with the white men, fled to ihe Illinois. f He 
 and the Indians of his day appear to have been much 
 attached to the dominioi. of France in North Ame- 
 rica ; and it i« well known that although that unfor- 
 tunate aboriginal people now prefer the English to 
 the Americans, they formerly preferred the French 
 to the English. "' Wiiatever may have been the 
 cause," observed CremTal Cass, previously mentioned 
 — the governor of Michigan, and subsequently Ame- 
 rican minister at the court of Louis Philippe — '' the 
 fact is certain, that there is in the French character a 
 peculiar adai)tation to the habits and feelings of the 
 Indians, and to this day the period of French domi- 
 nation is? the era of all that is happy in Indian remi- 
 niscences.^ 
 
 * Pontiac appears suhsequenUy to have joined the English, and to liave 
 received a. handbome pension from tliem tusccurr his attactiment. Carver, 
 in J is "Tliree Years' Travels" in -Vorth Ameriea, relates that in 1767 
 Pontiac hi Id a enuncil in the Dlinois, in which he spoke atrainst the 
 Knijhsh, and lliat in eonsefnienoe an imhan. v^ho was attached t(; tlieir 
 eanse. I'lnnged a knife into his heart, and laid lum dead on the ■aput, 
 
 I'or a description uf tfie deeds ol Pf)ntia(, or I'ondiaf, as she spells liis* 
 name, see Mrs. (JraidS " Memoirs ol an Atner)'.an Lady," vol. ii. There 
 is a lite of hin) in Thatcher's Indian llioi!;raphy, a work which we have 
 been ii(\al)le to consult, a.s it could not be procured by [.lurehttsy "^ 1-oiulou. 
 
 t Henry's Travels aud Adveiituies ia Canada. 
 
 rf ,: 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 2G9 
 
 CHAPTER XTL 
 
 Tlio followinj^ letters* relate chiefly to the enterprise 
 against Detroit, and ahhough not in the chronological 
 order wo have hitherto observed, will form, with 
 some passing comments, the subject of this chapter. 
 
 Major- General Brock to Sir George Provost. 
 
 Head (Quarters, Detroit, Aug. 1(3, 1812. 
 
 T hasten to apprize your excellency of the capture 
 of this very imporfunl'post : 2,o00 troops have this 
 day surrendered prisoners of war, and about 2d pieces 
 of ordnance have been taken without the sacrifice of 
 a drop of British blood. I had not more than 7<)() 
 troops, including militia, and about G(K) Indians, to 
 accomplish this service. When I detail my good 
 fortune, your excellency will be asionislied. I have 
 been admirably supported by Colonel Proctor, the 
 whole of my staff", and I may justly say, every indi- 
 vidual under mv command. 
 
 ! ,1 
 
 Major-General Brock to Sir George Prcvost. 
 Head Quarters, Detroit, Aug. 17, 1812.t 
 
 I have had the lionor of informing your excellency, 
 that the enemy olFected his passage across the Detroit 
 river, on the 12th ultimo, without opposition ; and 
 
 * We can iliscover none from Colonel Baynes on the subject. 
 t This djsputch was pablished in a Gazette Extrciordinary, in Londou, 
 on the 6th of Octobei' . 
 
 1' ■ M 
 
 1.:!^^!! 
 
270 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESI'ONDEXCE OF 
 
 s !■ 
 
 ( m 
 
 that, after establit^hing liimself at Sandwich, he had 
 rava{j!:ed the country as far as the Moravian town. 
 Some skirmishes occurred between the troops under 
 Lieut.-(Jolonel St. (Jeorfje and the enemy, upon the 
 river Canard, wJiich uniformly terminated in his he- 
 in£T repulsed with loss. I judged it proper to detach 
 a force down the river Thames, capable of actinj; in 
 conjunction with the garrison of Amherstburg offen- 
 sive!} ; but Captain Chambers, whom 1 had appointed 
 to direct this detachment, exy)erienced difficulties that 
 frustrated mv intentions. The intelligence received 
 from that quarter admitting of no delay, Colonel 
 Proctor vvas directed to assume the command, and 
 his force was soon after increased with GT) rank and 
 file of the 41st regiment. 
 
 In the mean time, the most strenuous measures 
 Avere adopted to counteract the machinations of the 
 evil-disposed, and I soon experienced the gratification 
 of receiving voluntary offers of service from that por- 
 tion of the embodied militia the most easily collected. 
 In the attainment of this important point, gentlemen 
 of the first character and influence shewed an exam- 
 ple highly creditable to them ; and I cannot, on this 
 occasion, avoid mentioning the essential assistance 
 I derived from John M" Donell, Esq., his majesty's 
 attorney-general, who, from the beginning of the war, 
 has honored me with his services as my provincial 
 aide-de-camp. A sufficiency of boats being collected 
 at Long Point for the conveyance of 300 men, the 
 embarkation took, place on the 8ih instan<-, and in 
 five days we arrived in safety at Amherstburg, 
 
 1 found that the judicious arrangements which had 
 b en adopted immediately upon the arrival of Colonel 
 Proctor had compelled the enemy to retreat, and 
 take shelter under the guns of his fort : that officer 
 commenced operations bv sending strong (^ ichments 
 across the river, with a view of cutting off enemy's 
 communication with his reserve. This ])rouuced two 
 smart skirmishes on the f5th and Oth intlant, in which 
 
SIK ISAAC imOCK. 
 
 271 
 
 war. 
 
 had 
 >loiiel 
 
 and 
 tficer 
 nents 
 niiy's 
 
 two 
 
 hich 
 
 II 
 
 the enemy's loss was considerable, whilst ours amount- 
 ed to li killed and 13 wounded ; '^ amongst the latter, 
 1 have particularly to regret Captain Muir and Lieu- 
 tenant Sutherland,! of the 41st repjiment ; the former 
 an officer of great experience, and both ardent in his 
 majesty's service. Batteries had likewise be;.n com- 
 menced opposite Fort Detroit, for one l8-pounder, 
 two 12 and two -"il-inch mortars, all of which opened 
 on the evening- of the l-'ith ■, (having previously sum- 
 moned Brigadier-General HuU to surrender;) and 
 although opposed by a well-directed fire from seven 
 24-pounders, such was their construction under the 
 able direction of Captain Dixon, of the Royal Engi- 
 neers, that no injury was sustained from its effect. 
 
 The force at my disposal being collected in the 
 course of the 15th in the neighbourhood of Sandwich, 
 the embarkation took place a little before daylight 
 on the following morning ; and b} the able arrange- 
 ments of Lieutenant Dewar, of the quartermaster- 
 general's department, the whole was in a short time, 
 ■without the smallest confusion, landed at Spring Well, 
 a good position, three miles west of Detroit. The 
 Indians, who had in the raeaii time effected their 
 landing two miles below, moved forward and occu- 
 pied the woods, about a mile and a half on our left. 
 
 The force, which I instantly directed to march 
 against the enemy, consisted of 30 artillery, 250 41st 
 regiment, 50 royal Newfoundland regiment, 400 mi- 
 litia, and about 6<X) Indians, to which were attached 
 three O-pounders and two 3-pounders. The services 
 of Lieutenant Troughton, an active and intelligent 
 officer, comtnanding the royal artillery, l)eing required 
 in the field, the direction of the batteries was entrust- 
 ed to Captain Hall and the marine department, and 
 1 cannot withhold my entire approbation of their 
 conduct on this occasion. 
 
 * This loss rtops not appear to include that of the Indians on tlie 9th of 
 August, at Maguaga. 
 
 Y Lieuteuajit Sutherland died of his wouuds. 
 
 I ! 
 
' f f 
 
 11 
 
 272 
 
 LIFE ANP COHUESPONDENCE OF 
 
 ( > 
 
 if; 
 
 If 
 
 ] crossed the river, witli an intention of awaiting in 
 a stronjj: i)osition the ctTect of our force upon tiie ene- 
 my's camp, and in tlic hope of compellinn Jiirn to 
 TTjict us in the field; but receiving; information upon 
 Ianclin<:!^ that Colonel M'Arthur,* an ofhcer of high 
 reputation, had left the j^arrison three days before 
 Avith a detachment of oCK) men; and hearing, soon 
 afterwards, that his cavalry had been seen that 
 morning tljree miles in our rear, I decided on an 
 
 . 1 
 
 immediate attack. Accordiucily, the troops advanced 
 to within one mile of the fort, and havinjj ascertained 
 that the enemy had taken little or no precaution to- 
 wards the land side, I resolved on an assault, whilst 
 the Indians penetrated his camp. Brigadier-General 
 Hull, however, prevented this movement, by propo- 
 sing a cessation of hostilities, for the purpose of 
 preparing terms of capitulation. Lieut. -Colonel J. 
 M'Donell and Captain Glegg were accordingly de- 
 puted by me on this mission, and returned within 
 an hour with the conditions, which I have the honor 
 herewith to transmit. Certain considerations after- 
 wards induced me to agree to the two supplementary 
 articles.! 
 
 The force thus surrendered to his majesty's arms 
 cannot be estimated at less than 2,^)00 men. In this 
 estimate, Colonel M'Arthur's detachment is included, 
 as he surrendered, agreeably to the terms of capitula- 
 tion in the course of the evening, with the exception 
 of 2<K) men, whom he left escorting a valuable convoy 
 at some little distance in his rear ; but there can be 
 no doubt the otlieer commanding will consider him- 
 self equally bound by the capitulation. 
 
 The enemy's agfjreoate force was divided into two 
 troops of cavalry ; one company of artillery, regulars; 
 the 4th United States regiment ; detachuicnts of the 
 1st and 3d United. States regiments, volunteers; 
 
 * Colonel M'Arthar was second in command <if the Ainenciin army. 
 
 t In Avijiendix A. Section 1, aVo. 3, will be .-((icn a copy of these docii- 
 meats, from the originals found amonfj Sir Isaac Brock's papers. 
 
sin ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 27a 
 
 ihreo rofriments of die (Miio militia ; one rogimcnt 
 of the Michigan territory. 
 
 Thirty-tliree pieces of brass and iron ordnanco have 
 fdreadv been secured. 
 
 When this contest commenced, many of the Indian 
 nations were enga<L!;ed in active uarfare with tlio 
 United fSt.ites, notwitlistandin^z,' the constant endea- 
 vours of tliis government to dissuade tlicni from it. 
 Some of the principal chiefs liappened to be at Am- 
 herstburfj, trying to procure a supply of arms and 
 ammunition, which for years had been withheld, 
 agreeably to the Instructions received from Sir James 
 Craig, and since repeated by your excellency. 
 
 From tijat moment they took u most active part, 
 and appeared foremost on every occasion ; they were 
 led yesterday by Colonel I'^lliott and Captain Af'Kee, 
 and nothing could exceed their order and steadiness. 
 A few prisoners were taken by them during tlie ad- 
 vance, Avhom they treated witli every humanity ; and 
 it alf'ords me much pleasure ir assuring your excel- 
 lency, that such M"as their forbearance and attention 
 to what was rerpiircd of them, that the enemy sus- 
 tained no other loss In men than what was occasioned 
 by the tire of our batteries. 
 
 The high sense I entertain of the abilities and 
 judgment of Lieut. -Colonel Myers,* induced me to 
 appoint him to the important command at Niagara; 
 it was with reluctance I deprived myself of his assist- 
 ance, but I had no other expedient his duties, as 
 head of the quarlermaster-generars uepartnient, were 
 performed to my satistaction by Lieut.-Colonel Nichol, 
 quartermaster-general of the militia. 
 
 Captain Glegg, my aide-de-camp, will have the 
 honor of delivering this dispatch to your excellency ; 
 
 can unnv. 
 
 * So bare w;i= Maiordcnoral Brock, of experienced officers at this time, 
 that Meut.-Coldiier.Mj'ers, \v)io had recently joined, was considered a 
 most valuable acquisition ; luir could the gerieral have left Niajrara, had 
 it not been for the confidence he reiiosed in Colonel Myers. Every enter- 
 prising otaff efhocr, who could, was at this period serviug under Lord 
 Welling'ton, in the Peninsula. 
 
 N* 
 
 '■^A,ii>r"ims^^m^ imm:mr 
 
fi^' 
 
 274 
 
 LIFE AND COURESPON HENCE OP 
 
 h-i 
 
 id 
 
 he is diargod vvifli tlie colours taken at tlie capture of 
 Fort Detroit, and those of tho 4tli United States 
 rejjimeiit. 
 
 Captain Glo.g^ is capable of p^ivinj;^ your excellency 
 every information respeotini;, the state of this ])ro- 
 vince, and I shall esteem myself highly indebted to 
 your excellency, to afford him that protection to 
 which his merit and len<xth of service jjjive him a 
 powerful claim.* I have the honor to be, &c. 
 
 P. S. — I have the honor to enclose a copy of a 
 proclamation which I issued immediately on taking 
 possession of this country. 
 
 I should have mentioned in the body of my dis- 
 patch, the capture of the Adams ; she is a fine vessel, 
 and recently repaired, but without arms. 
 
 Sir George Provost to Major-General Brock. 
 
 Head Quarters, Montreal, Aug. 30, 1812. 
 
 I received on the 25th, whilst at St. John's, your 
 dispatch, by expi jss from Detroit, of the IGth instant. 
 I do most sincerely congratulate you upon the com- 
 j3lete success which has attended your measures for 
 the preservation of Arnherstburg. The surrender of 
 Detroit, the capture of (fenernl Hull's army with so 
 large a proportion of ordnance, arc circumstances of 
 high importance to our country, and which have 
 evinced your talents as an officer in command, and 
 reflect honor upon you, and upon Lieut. -Colonel St. 
 George and Colonel Proctor. 
 
 I propose sending an aide-de-camp to England 
 with your short dispatch, together with such details 
 as I am in possession of, respecting Brigadier-General 
 Hull's previous invasion of IJ]>per Canada, and of his 
 foiled attempts to invade Amherstburg; but 1 shall 
 delay his departure from hence untd the 1st of Sep- 
 tember, in hopes of obtaining from you, before that 
 
 * Captain Gh'c:is was made a brevet-major for the capture of DctJoit. 
 Sir George Prevost's aidc-de-CHinp, Captain Coore, was also made a brevet- 
 roajor for taking the dispatches to JLnglaid. 
 
lapture of 
 id States 
 
 xcelleiicv 
 this pro- 
 dcbtcd to 
 ectioii to 
 vo him a 
 c. 
 
 opy of a 
 Ml taking 
 
 ' my dis- 
 ne vessel, 
 
 cJi. 
 
 10, 1812. 
 
 id's, your 
 h instant, 
 the com- 
 isures for 
 render of 
 y with so 
 tances of 
 ich have 
 and, and 
 lonel St. 
 
 Enj^land 
 h details 
 -General 
 ad of his 
 I shall 
 t of Sep- 
 i'ore that 
 
 It 
 
 i 
 
 j 
 
 SIR ISAAl IIROCK. 
 
 275 
 
 ; of Detroit, 
 dc a brevet- 
 
 time, furtlior particulars of the operations which led 
 to General IIuH's disgrace. 
 
 Well aware of thu diffieulfics you liavo surmounted 
 for the preservation of yum t^overnnn'nl entire, I shall 
 endeavour to do justice to your merit, in my report to 
 his majesty's ministtr upon the buccess which has 
 crowned your etierfry and ioril. 
 
 A warrant, i^^ivin"]: to you more exl(^'nslve power 
 over the sentence of .such general courts martial as 
 you may be called on to assemble, was siifued by me 
 ten days since, and lias I hope reached you. 
 
 I am in hourly expeotatiou of receiving from (Jene- 
 ral Dearborn intciligiMico respecting the reception of 
 the proposed suspension of hostilities, in consequence 
 of the revocation of the orders in coimcil, which Jtre 
 the plea for war in the American cabinet ; and also 
 whether Mr. Baker has been allowed to assume, 
 p7'o temporp, the character of a charge d"afFaires at 
 Washington, where .Mr. Foster had left him in a 
 demi-ofiicial capacity. I consider th'" arrangement 
 entered into by General Dearborn with Colonel 
 Baynes, requiring tlie confirmation of the president, 
 to establish its sacredness. 
 
 The king's government having most unequivocally 
 expressed to me their desire to preserve peace with 
 the United States, that they might, uninterrupted, 
 pursue, with the whole disposable force of the coun- 
 try, the great interest committed in Europe, I have 
 endeavoured to be instrumental in the accomplishment 
 of their views ; but 1 consider it most fortunate to 
 have been enabled to do so without interfering -w'lb 
 your operations on the Detroit. 
 
 T have sent you men, money, and stores of every 
 kind. 
 
 P. S.— I have addressed to you a public letter, con- 
 taining my sentiments upon Major-General Sheaffe's 
 alterations in the original conclusive and binding 
 conditions transmitted to him by the adjutant-general. 
 
 I:: 
 
 I 
 
27(J 
 
 MM, AS It COKRF.SPOMIKXCE OF 
 
 Nii 
 
 ^^iV George Prvvmt to Mnjor-Genvral limch. 
 
 Heud Quiirtrra, Moturcil, Aiii:. lU, 181-2. 
 
 I lifid scurcolv closed tlio lottcrs 1 addressed to 
 you ye"!)ttM'tlay, ulion an aide-de-camp from Alajor- 
 General !)< arl>oru made Ids a|i|»oariiiice, and deli^ ered. 
 to me the di^ijiatcli berewitli rnmsmilted. It will 
 expose to yv>ur view the disposition of the prcsid(;nt 
 of tho United States on the provisional measnro tem- 
 porarily aij;r(etl upon between the Ameriean coni- 
 niarider-in-(diiof and inyseH!> in conseqnenee of an 
 earnest desire not fo widen the breach e\istin<^' be- 
 tween tlu> two rountries, the revocation of the »>rders 
 in eonncil havintr removed the plea used in (!or)<>;re8S 
 for a decliiration of w;ir .ij^ainst (ireat Hritain. 
 
 1 am mii<',h disap)ii>iiiteil that tho particulars of the 
 surrend(;r of Detroit have not as yet reached me, 
 particnlai'Iy as my aide-de-camp, ('aptain Cooro, is 
 to leave Montreal this eveninj.r for Quebec, where a 
 slii}> o( V, ar is on the point of sailing; for Halifax, 
 from whence I espect the adnnral will give hiin a 
 convevanee for l^ni'land. 
 
 lieing' unacquainted with the condition:? attached 
 to the surrender of .l?rifj;aiJier-(ienend Jluirs army, 
 and giving scope to your expressions of prisoners of 
 Avar, 1 have made arrangements for increasing their 
 security against any attempt to rescue them, by- 
 ordering Cai)tain (»ray to )»rocecd with two flank 
 companies to Prescott. 
 
 [The fiispntch horn CJeiiocal Dcarbvn'n, dated Orconliusli, August 2(5, 
 was to amn'mii'f Mie (lisi-onuimaiicc i>f \\\v tenipiirarv anriistiuc agreed 
 to hclwi'rn tii'ii ;uid ('(jlrme) Uayuos, iti lour days after tlic I'occiiit ol the 
 coiiaiiKiiication at the troiuier (lobts in (.'anada T'lc Amt'i'ican tri'iieral 
 adili'd " If a ^u-.p..'risioii (il oflensivo upi'ralions shall tia\ r been uuitwall/ 
 constiiitrd to bctwicM (ii'iu'ial Hull liiid thi (■Mi\iman(lint; iiflit'Oi (>J the 
 liritish forci s at and lu'ar Di.'troit. as proposed, they will rff^ptctnoly be 
 aulluinxod, at the expiration or four days sub^C(]uent to their receiving 
 copies of this ('oiimituueatioii, to consider theinsielvc.s released from any 
 atijeement thus entered into."] 
 
 f^ M 
 
 As we have already commented on Sir George 
 Prevost's management of tho war, and shall have 
 
SIR ISAAC TIROCK, 
 
 277 
 
 occusionally to rlo so a;jjiiin, ne Lcladly pivo Iilm cre- 
 dit tor till' very liandsonie njanricr in which he spoke 
 of Mriitir-dciieral lirock, in lils dispiitch to Marl 
 niitiiiirst, ono of Ids majesty's )iriiici|uil sccrolarios of 
 slate, unnoanciii^ (he surrender of JJelioit, and dated 
 Montreal, '2i\i\\ of Auj^usit, lHj'2. 
 
 *' It was under these cireumstunces at tins critical 
 period, and when the enemy were b<'a^inninn" to con- 
 snlt their securitv bv cntr(;nehinL!: themselves, that 
 (Jeneral Urook entered Andiersthiirfi: uith a rein- 
 foreeinent, which he was fortunate!}' enabled to do on 
 the 13th instant, without the smallest molestation, iu 
 coMsecjuenee of our decided naval superiority on the 
 lakes. To his active and intelligent nund, the advan- 
 tages which his enemy's situation allorded him over 
 them, even with his very inferior force, became imme- 
 diately a])parent; and that he has not failed most 
 eifectually to avail himself of those favorable cir- 
 cumstances, your lordship will, I trust, be satisfied, 
 from the lettei' wlileh I have the honor of transmitting. 
 
 •* Having thus brought to your lordship's view the 
 different circumstances which have led to the success- 
 ful termination of the cam|)aign on the western fron- 
 tier of Upper Canada, I cannot withhold from Major- 
 Gcneral Bi'ock the tribute of a|»|)lause so justly due 
 to him for his distinguished conduct on this occasion ; 
 or omit to recommend him, through your lordship, 
 to the favorable consideration of his roval lii<;hnes3 
 the prince regent, for the great ability and judgment 
 with which he j)laiined, and the proniptitude, energy, 
 and fortitude with winch he has efi'ected, the preserv- 
 ation of Upper Canada, with the sacrifice of so liltle 
 British blood in acconiplishing so important a service. 
 
 " My aide-de-camp, Ca))tain Coore, w ill have the 
 honor of delivering to your lordship this dispatch; 
 and as he is well qualified to give your lordship 
 information res[)ecting the military resources of this 
 command, I shall beg leave to refer your lordship to 
 him for further particulars." 
 
27m 
 
 LIFR AND rORUKSI'ONDKNfa OF 
 
 ( I 
 
 i : 
 
 I- M 
 
 \n i J 
 
 At th(' sumo time, triitli (lompols us to add, tlmt 
 Sir (foorj^o IVcvoht took credit to IiirnseK, to vliioh 
 be. was not entitled, wlioii lie wrote to Lord Iiitliur:<it : 
 "(Jencnil Brock, relyin<j upon the stroni:^ assurances 
 T liad given liini of a reinforceinont as j>rotnpt and as 
 eU'eetiial as tlir oirciunstancosi by wliicli 1 \>a8 plaood 
 by this new war would permit mv. to send, adopted 
 the most vitjorous measures lor the safety of tliat part 
 of tho frontier whicii had been attacked." And 
 again- "The certainty of tlio (Expected reinforce- 
 ments, and tho vveaknes-s of the eneujvon the Niajxara 
 frontier, had m the mean Inne induced General 
 Brook," kc* The last dispatoli which, wc believe, 
 Major-General IJrock had received from 8ir George 
 i*revost, when on the Oih of August he left York for 
 Detroit, was dated the 10th, and received on tho 21)th 
 of July ; a!id in lliat dispatch (see page 200) no 
 reinforccincnts were promised, and indeed offensive 
 operations were deprecated. The first reinforcement 
 sent from Lower to I' pper Canada, appears to have 
 consisted of about 100 mi;n of the Newfoundland 
 regiment and 'A) of the A'eterans, who left Quebec on 
 the 30th of July for Kingston, to strengthen that 
 post; and the adjutant-general, on the 1st of August, 
 (page 2'2b<,) wrote that Sir Gtori>-e Prevost regretted 
 extremely his inabilitv to render Major-General Brock 
 more efficient aid. It was on'y on the 2d of August 
 that Sir George Prevost proini.sed an additional rein- 
 forcement of four companies of the 49th regiment, 
 (page 232,) and on the 12th of the same month the 
 remainder of the regiment. ({)age 234.) Mr. Justice 
 Powell confirms this view of the subject, in his admir- 
 able letter, page 283. It will be seen in the sequel 
 that, on the 13th of August, the adjutant-general 
 
 * In conseqneiicp cjfUit^e assertions, Lord Bathnrst wrote toSir Gefir;?c 
 Prevost on the Kith of October, 1812, in reply to his letter announcinp- the 
 capture of (itjiicral Hull ; " 1 am further coinmamlud by his royal highness 
 to say, that in giving every crertit tn Major General JJrock, and t)ie army 
 under his command, he is fully sensible how much your exertions and 
 arrangen<ents have, coiitributed to the fortunate conclusion of the cam- 
 paign in Upper Canada." 
 
SIR Il^AAl IlIlOl K. 
 
 27i) 
 
 wrot(? tliat )io liad strong;! V tirirod Sir Georffc Prcvost 
 to «-('n(l flirt licr roinforccriKMiH, as lio wjh sure tlicy 
 could 1)0 Hpiircd. A> to tin; rciiKirk rcl;itiv<' to the 
 Nvcakiioss of tlio enemy on iIk^ Niai^ani tronticr, wo 
 pliuil otdy mention tliat Major-(c(.neral J3rock statos 
 in a MS. before ns, that it was tlic stronc; American 
 forrc on tliat frontier which compelh'd liim to take 
 with hint to Detroit only half of the militia who 
 volnnteercd. 
 
 Sir George Prcviml tn Karl JJathurnt. 
 
 Head (^narter!«, Montreal, Sept. 1, ^>^\'2. 
 
 Since I Ijad the honor of tran.sinittinu: to vonr 
 lordisliip mv letter of the 'iOth ultimo, in charge of 
 my aide-fle-camp, (. aplain Cooro, I Jiave received 
 from Major-General Brock a dispatch, of which ihc 
 enclose<l is a copy, containin!:^ the particulars of 
 Brigadier-General Hull's invasion of I'pper Canada, 
 wlii' h has terniiiMred most gloriously to his majesty's 
 arm.^ in that offieor's defeat and surrender as a pri- 
 soner of war, with the vaIioIc of the north-western 
 army, togetlu r Avith tiic fort Detroit, and thirty-threo 
 pieces of ordnance. 
 
 I forward this dispatch express, in tlie expectation 
 of its reacliine; Captain Coore previously to liis leaviuij 
 Caiuida, which, with the colours of the 4th United 
 States regiment accompanyint^ it, 1 trust that ofiicer 
 will have the lienor of delivering to your lordship. 
 
 Larl liathurft to Sir Creorge Prevost. 
 
 DowM.vG Street, October 10, 1812. 
 
 I have liad the honor of receiving your dispatch, 
 dated the 2()th of August, together witli its enclo- 
 sures, from IMajor-Gcneral Brock, and I lost no time 
 in laying intelligence so important and satisfactory 
 before his royal highness the prince regent. 
 
 I am commanded by his royal highness to desire 
 you to take the earliest opportunity of conveying his 
 
(' 
 
 I; 
 
 280 
 
 LIFE AND COREESPONDENOE OF 
 
 1 .' i 
 
 roval hl^fliness' approbation of the able, judicious, 
 and decisive conduct of Major-Gcneral Brock ; of tbe 
 zeal and s})irtt niaiiifcsted by Colonel Proctor and 
 tbe otber otHcors ; as well as ot the infrepidity of tbe 
 troops under tbe command of Major-General Brock. 
 
 By tbe united exertions of tbis little arniv, tbe en- 
 ter(U'ise of tbe American army bas been defeated ; 
 tbe territories of bis majesty in Tapper Canada bave 
 been secured; and on tbe enemy's fort of Detroit, 
 important to tbat security, tbe Britisb standard bas 
 been bappily placed. 
 
 You %vill inform Major-General Brock tbat bis 
 royal bigbiiess, takintr into consideration all tbe diffi- 
 ouities by wbicii 3lajor-General Brock was surround- 
 ed from tbe time of tbe invasion of tbe province by 
 tbe American armv, under tbe command of General 
 Hull, and tbe sinp^ular j lodgment, firmness, skill, and 
 courage, witli wliicb be was enabled to surmount 
 tbem so ellcctually — bas been pleased to appoint bim 
 an extra knigbt of tbe most bonorable order of the 
 batb. 
 
 ! 
 
 I !' 
 
 Mojor-Ocncral Brock to his Brothers. 
 
 Head Quarters, Detroit, Aug. 10, 1812.* 
 
 My dear Brothers and Friends, — Rejoice at my 
 good fortune, and join me in prayers to Heaven. I 
 send you a copy of my basty note to Sir George. 
 
 ["Here follows his short dispatch of that clay. See pag:e 26!).] 
 
 Let me bear tbat you are all united and bappy. 
 
 [Chiof Justice RohinRon, of Cpper Caniirta, who formt'd part of the 
 reinforcement taken by (loncral Brock to Uctii)it, and wiio also foug-lit at 
 Quoenstown, in a lettci' to th(r editor, dated Toronto, lytli ot January, 
 ISJfi, writes : " Tliere is sonicthiiit!; pecnliarly touching in the short note 
 of the trood und poble sjeneralto liis brotliers, written, I supi'ose, within 
 a few minutes after his glorious success. 'Join me in prayers to Heaven,' 
 and ' Let nit liear that you are all tinitid. and liappy.' 'I'lie union of sucJi 
 seiitiniiM'ts in his mimi at the instant of victory, and amid the exciting 
 and tuuuiliuous scenes ami feelint,'s of such a niomeut, shew a heart 
 
 * 'Iliis letter, addressed to his brother Irving in London, reached hun, 
 vvrc believe, on the Kith of October, the very day on wtiich the writer wai> 
 slaui. 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 281 
 
 worthy of all admiration and Invo. I am <leliplitefl to have seen these 
 traits in liis cliaractrr. To tliosc who chorisli ilie recollection of liini, 
 tills littk' Jioto K iiivalnablc. It .sh"ws how pure tlie joy was which he 
 derived from lii.^ splf ndirt aehii vi;ment : grutituile to God, and tlic in- 
 creased liappiiu -is of lliose he luild most dear, were the thoughts upper- 
 most in his mind. Amontr the interesting- records of him, contained ia 
 this volume, this hasty letter to his hrotlicrs, and that of Septeml)er ;), 
 which follows, and liis letter to Sir (teorpe Prevust, of 2d Dccernher, IHII, 
 {five us proofs, us it appears to me, that wliile (ieneral Brock possessed 
 foresif^ht, ability, judi^nient, and <leeisi<in equal to threat emcri^encies, he 
 had also a lieart that entitled hiiu to the liindest cctjards of the world." ] 
 
 William Jiroclii Esq., to 7iis brother Savory, in Gucrnscf/. 
 LoNDo.x, Tuesday, October UJ, 1812. 
 
 Since I sent vou, on Tuesday last, the Gazette 
 containing the dispatches, I liave been so engrossed 
 with the one all-exciting subject, as to be unable to 
 
 attend to your business with C ayd B As 
 
 I well knew that Isaac would not consider his good 
 fortune complete unless a reconciliation took place 
 between Irving and myself, I went up to-day on see- 
 ing him and shook hands. He then shewed me two 
 lines which he had just received from Isaac, and 
 which he wiis going to send me. I give you the 
 coj>y verbatim. 
 
 [Here follows a transcript of the short letter to his brothers, dated 
 Detroit, August Ui, as given untc.'\ 
 
 It is satisfactory to me that we shook hands before 
 1 was aware of the contents. I liave written a long 
 letter* to Isaac since the dispatches have arrived, 
 and I have again seen Captain Coore, who told me 
 that the prince regent had spoken to him about Isaac 
 for nearly half an hour. His royal highness was 
 pleased to say, tliat General Brock had done more in 
 an hour than could have been done in six months' 
 negociation with Mr. liusscll — that he had by his 
 exploit given a lustre to the British army — that the 
 dispatches had aiforded him (his royal highness) 
 more pleasure than any he had received for some 
 time, &c. Ike. &c. 
 
 * Unfortunately, we cannot find this letter. 
 
IP 
 
 282 
 
 LIFE AND COBUESPOXDENCE OF 
 
 ! f 
 
 Captain Coore also said that Mr. Vansittart* had 
 expressed liiinself on the occasion with greater glee 
 than even the other ministers ; and certainly the very 
 prompt manner in which the red riband has been 
 conferred, confirms the flattering remarks of the 
 prince, and proves the favorable impression of the 
 ministry. I look forward to Isaac receiving the 
 thanks of parliament whcMi it meets again. Captain 
 Coore thinks that he will next take Niagara. 
 
 What is your opinion of Isaac's proclamation, in 
 answer to that of Hull, and of his dispatches to 
 Prevost? I think them admirably written, and so 
 does every person with whom I have conversed on 
 the subject. 
 
 Let me know what effect the good news have had 
 upon you all. I have scarcely slept for the last 
 week, I can tell yon. 
 
 May Sir Isaac long live to be an example to your 
 Julius, t and an honor to us all4 With my hearty 
 congratulations, believe me, kc. 
 
 The following letter strikes us as singularly appro- 
 priate and ])k'asing, and as creditable to him who 
 wrote it as it must have been gratifying to him who 
 received it. Mr. Justice Powell, who was then the 
 senior puisne judge of the court of king's bench, be- 
 came chief justice of Upper Canada in the year 1816. § 
 
 * Then chancellor of the exchequer — created Lord i3f\ley, in 1S23. 
 
 t Julius Urock, the only son oi Savery, died in boyhood. 
 
 t How futile frequently is hu)\ia>i hope. Sir Isaac Brock had fallen 
 that very mornins", and was then lyinp a bleeding corse in a house in the 
 viUage of Queenstown. Many need rejoice in trembling. 
 
 § Chief Justice Powell retired from tlie bent h in 18'25, and died about 
 ten years afterwards. His abilities were oi a very superior order, and he 
 is believed, in Upper Canada, to have been the author of General Brock's 
 proclamation, in answer to that of Hull, He was at Die time a member of 
 the executive council, arul, with his numerous duties, the British general 
 would naturally avail himself of .ludfjc Powell's talents on such an occa- 
 sion. If so, the proclamation was the happy effort of one who, both in 
 speaking and writing, \isually acquitted himself with felicity. Its clear 
 and logical language was justly admired, and it did much good both in 
 and out of the Canadas. Mrs. Powell, the widow of the late chief justice, 
 is still living ; she is about ninety-two, and in the full pobsessiou of her 
 faculties. 
 
 ■ i ... 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 283 
 
 the 
 
 1S23. 
 
 3'Ae Hon. William Dumme.r Poivell to Major-General Brock. 
 
 Kingston, August 27, 1812. 
 
 I cannot persT ^dc myself to offer my hearty con- 
 gratulations tix s\\ the medium of a third person, 
 and hope you will believe that no one sympathizes 
 more cordially than myself in your feelings on the 
 late happy event. I shall never again regret little 
 disappointments, when I consider to what they may 
 lead : had your early representations been attended to, 
 and produced their proper effect, you would probably 
 not have to boast of the most brilliant success, with 
 tlie most Inadequate means, which history records. 
 There is something so fabulous in the report of a 
 handful of troops, supported by a few raw militia, 
 leaving their strong post to invade an enemy of dou- 
 ble numbers in his own fortress, and making them all 
 prisoners without the loss of a man, that, although 
 your report may be sanctioned by Sir George Prevost, 
 it seems to me that the people of England will be 
 incredulous until they see the exterminating boaster a 
 prisoner in London. We find in a cover by General 
 Sheaffe, that the first report of the cannon taken was 
 one-third short of the real number. I shall hardly 
 sleep until I have the satisfaction of hearing particu- 
 lars of the wonderful excursion, for it must not be 
 called a campaign. The rcni, vldi, vici, is again the 
 faithful report. Your good fortune in one instance is 
 singular, for if your zeal had been thwarted by such 
 adverse winds as frequently occur on the lake, the 
 armistice might have intercepted your career.* That 
 it did not, I heartily thank God, and pray that no- 
 thing may occur to damp the entire satisfaction of 
 yourself and family in the glory so well earned. I 
 ara impatient to hear from Colonel M'Donell, but 
 have no doubt that he justified your warmest expec- 
 tations in every trial. May I beg to be presented to 
 Glegg, and that you. Sir, will believe me, &c. 
 
 * "South-west winds prevail much" (on Lake Erie) " during a preat 
 part of the year, and often, lor weeks together, prcvt.it vessels from 
 sailing westward." — Moivhson's Uppt;r Canada. 
 
 ; 
 
 
iih 
 
 284 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 ll 
 
 I i* 
 
 r 
 
 ! 
 
 ■ , 
 
 Major- General Brock to his .Brothers. 
 
 Lake Ontabio, Sept. 3, 1812, 
 
 You will have heard of the complete success which 
 attended the efforts 1 directed asainsl Detroit. I 
 have received so many letters from people whoso 
 opinion I value, expressive of their admiration of the 
 exploit, that I begin to attach to it more importance 
 than I was at first inclined. Should the afiUir be 
 viewed in England in the light it is here, I cannot 
 fail of meeting reward, and escaping the horror of 
 being placed high on a slicif, never to be taken down. 
 
 Some say that nothing could bo more desperate 
 than the measure ; but I answer, that the state of the 
 
 Province admitted of nothing but desperate remedies, 
 got possession of the letters my antngonist addressed 
 to the secretary at war, and also of the sentiments 
 which hundreds of liis army uttered to their friends. 
 Confidence in the general was gone, and evident 
 despondency prevailed throughout. I have succeeded 
 beyond expectation. I crossed tlie river, contrary to 
 
 the opinion of Colonel Proctor, , &c. ; it is, 
 
 therefore, no wonder that envy should attribute to 
 good fortune what, injustice to my own discernment, 
 1 must say, proceeded from a cool calculation of the 
 pours and contres. 
 
 It is sup])osed that the value of the articles cap- 
 tured will amount to 30 or <£40,00(); in that case, 
 my proportion will be something considerable. If it 
 enable me to contribute to your comfort and happi- 
 ness, I shall esteem it my highest reward. When I 
 returned Heaven thanks for my amazing success, I 
 thought of you all; you appeared to me happy — 
 your late sorrows forgotten ; and I felt as if you 
 acknowledged that the many benefits, which for a 
 genes of years I received from you, were not unwor- 
 thily bestowed. Let me know, my dearest brothers, 
 that you are all again united. The want of union 
 was nearly losing this province without even a strug- 
 
sru ISAAC TRorK. 
 
 28,5 
 
 gle, a, '1 be assiire»l it operates in the same degree in 
 regard to families. 
 
 A cessation of hostilities has taken place along this 
 frontit r. Should peace follow, the measure will be 
 well; if hostilities recoiutnence, noaiing could be 
 more unfortunate tiiaii this pause. I cannot give 
 you freely an account of my pituation — it is, how- 
 ever, of late nmch improved. The militia have been 
 inspired, by the recent success, with confidence — 
 the disalfected are silenced. The 41)th have come to 
 my aid, besides other troops. I shall sec Vincent, 
 I hope, this evening at Kingston. He is appointed 
 to the corrimaiui of that post — a most important one. 
 I have withdrawn Pietideneath from Niajxara to 
 assist him. Plcnderlealh is sitting opposite to UiC, 
 and desires to be remembered. James Brock is 
 likewise at Kingston. I believe he considers it more 
 his interr I to remain with the 41)tli than to act as my 
 private secretary ; indeed, the salary is a mere pit- 
 tance. Poor LcLigatt is dead, and has left his familv 
 in the most distressing circumstances. His wife died 
 last year. 
 
 jNIajor Smelt and (Japtain Brown have sent me 
 your letters, for which 1 thank you. Let Richard 
 Potenger be assured that his letter afforded me the 
 highest gratification. I trust in Iluaven that the 
 whole of his thoughts will be directed to study, and 
 to qualify himself lor the holy profession lie has 
 chosen. Ignorance is despised in most men, but 
 more particularly in the clergyman educated at one 
 of the universities, who must liave neglected so many 
 opportunities of acquiring ktiowledge. 
 
 I received the other day a long letter from Sir 
 Thomas Saumarez, from Halifax. I regret the death 
 of the two Harrv Brocks.* I have likewise been 
 particularly unfortunate in the loss of two valuable 
 military friends. f I begin to be too old to form new 
 
 * Henry Frederick Brock, Esq., jurat of ttie Royal Court of Guernsey, 
 and liieutenant Iteirry Brock, R.K. 
 
 f Major-Gfueral Vc^ey, mentioned onte, was probably oiuv 
 
280 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 friendships!, and those of my youth are dropping; 
 off fast. 
 
 General Slieaffe lias lately been sent to nie. There 
 never was an individual .«o miserably off for the 
 necessary assistance. Sir (ieorge Prevost has kindly 
 hearkened to my remonstrances, and in some measure 
 supplied the deficiency. The 4lst is an uncommonly 
 fine regiment, but, with few exceptions, badly offi- 
 cered.* You mention JohnTupperf in a manner as 
 to leave hope that he may still be living. God grant 
 it ! He is a great favorite of mine, and I should 
 lament any disaster happening to hirn. Perhaps 
 Glegg may be sent home by Sir George, and in that 
 case I hope he will allow you to taee the colours taken 
 from the 4th U. S. regiment. The generality of the 
 English will esteem them very little : nothing is 
 prized that is not acquired with blood. 
 
 Kingston, September 4. 
 
 I this instant receive your letters by Mr. Todd. 
 So honest John Tapper is gone ! I could not have 
 loved a son of my own more ardently. Hostilities I 
 this instant understand are to be renewed in four 
 days ; and though landed only two hours, I must 
 return immediately to Niagara, whence I shall write 
 fully. 
 
 Chief Justice Setvell, of j ower Canada, to Major-General 
 
 Brocli. 
 
 Quebec, Sept. 3, 1812. 
 
 In your present situation, T am perfectly sensible 
 of your occupations, and know that your time is 
 
 * The oulv field officer with the 41st at this time was, we believe, Colo- 
 nel Proctor ; and owinp to the long: stay of the refitment iu Canada, the 
 promotion had bi.fcn so slow, that two of the captains were brevet-lieute- 
 naiit-coloneis, and two others brevet-majors. 
 
 t His nephew, John E. Tupper. Esq., aged twenty, perLshed at sea la 
 January, isi'j.'n the Mediterranean, tlie vessel in which he was a pa.ssen- 
 gcr from Catalonia to Gibraltar having never been heard of after sailing. 
 He was educated at Harrow at the same time as Lord Byron, Sir Robert 
 Peel, ^c. Mention is made of this fine but ill-fated young man at page il 5. 
 
Iropping 
 
 . There 
 for tbo 
 18 kindly 
 measure 
 aminonly 
 [idlv offi- 
 nanner as 
 Jod grant 
 1 should 
 Perhaps 
 lid in that 
 lurs taken 
 ity of the 
 lothing is 
 
 mber 4. 
 
 Mr. Todd, 
 not have 
 ostilities I 
 d in four 
 I must 
 ihall write 
 
 jor-Oeneral 
 
 1812. 
 
 ly sensible 
 Ir time is 
 
 Ibelieve, Colo- 
 li Canada, the 
 Ibrevet-lieute- 
 
 Ished at sea iu 
 
 vas a passcn- 
 
 after sailing. 
 
 tn, Sir Robert 
 
 tn at page 115, 
 
 SIR ISAAC imOCK. 
 
 287 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 : 
 
 i| 
 
 precious. Yet I lake the liberty to intrude upon 
 you with my congratulations upon the brilliant suc- 
 cess ^vbic]l lias attended llie measures nhlcb you have 
 pursued with so much judommt in ( 'ppor Canada; 
 and the thanks of an individual who feds the benefits 
 which he, in common with every other subject of 
 liis majesty in British America, derives from youi 
 exerliona. 
 
 The next letter is from General Maitland,* who 
 was colonel of the 41)tb loot from the 2i')th of May, 
 1708, to the period of his death, in February, 1820, 
 or nearly fifty -two \oars!t Majoi-General Brock 
 held tliis gallant veteran in high estimation, having re- 
 ceived from liirn much attention and kindness, which 
 were continued to some of his relatives after his fall, 
 and it will be seen that the feeling was mutual. 
 
 General the Jlonorahle Alexander Maitlnnd to Major-General 
 
 Brock, 
 
 ToTTKaiDOK, October 8, 1812. 
 
 Yesterday being mail day for America, 1 dispatched 
 my usual monthly letter to the regiment, and in 
 which, as I always do, I desired to be remembered 
 to you, with my best and warmest wishes for your 
 health, happin "ss, and success. I had not then heard, 
 but did a few hours after, of your (fl.riov.< victory 
 over our mest unnatural enemies, (such an one as can 
 hardly be equalled iu the annals of history,) that of 
 not only beating, but taking prisoners, more than 
 double your numbers ; and now that you have con- 
 quered them in the field, I trust that their wrong- 
 headed government will be brought to reason and 
 
 * Created a baronet on the 30th of Novembor, 1818. 
 
 t Although General Maitland was so many years colonel of the 49th, 
 yet we find that the Mavfinis of Divigheda held a similar appointment for 
 a lon{,'er period, being colonel of the i8th Hu.^sav? from the 3d of August, 
 17()2, to October, iti-ii, when that regiment was disbanded, or above fifty- 
 nine years ' 
 
 f 
 
iiSR 
 
 LIFE AND CORHESPONDENCE 01 
 
 > I 
 
 
 
 i fM'; 
 
 i; 
 
 M ; 
 
 peace ; Ibr it will prove to them, if tliey persevere, 
 that thev will be forced to it, nml terms dictated to 
 them. Therefore allow me. Sir, with the warmest 
 feelings of an old friend, to congratulate you, as 1 do 
 the j)iiblic, on the essential service you have done 
 the country on the present occasion ; as T do my 
 friend, your aide-de-camp, Captain Glegg, so far as 
 the sphere of his duty could assist in the great Mork ; 
 and / (jlon/ to sai/ yox ore hoik 4\)-th('r,^. I could 
 write sheets on the sid)ject, but, not to take up your 
 valuable time lonfjer than 1 liave done to express my 
 pleasure and feelings, 1 will stop by adding the 
 sincere congratulations of all related to me here as 
 well as elsewhere. But 1 cannot heljt now observing 
 how prophetic I was in what 1 wrote to Colonel 
 \'incent yesterday concerning )ou, whicli was, that 
 if 2/^'"' '^'^^^ 2>roj)('/'li/ snppurtcd, I thoiuj/it the enemy 
 iratihl uerer cross the tine of your connnand, a proof 
 of which 1 had a few hours afterwards. 
 
 AVheu you see any of our friends of the 49th, pray 
 remember me in the kindest manner to them, and I 
 am sure thev will thank you that thev are safe and 
 warm in tin ir quarters, in place of having a winter 
 campaign in so severe a climate. And now I will 
 only add my warmest wishes for your heolfh and 
 happiness, and that the same good fortune that lias 
 hitherto attended you may continue ; and I beg that 
 you will be so good as to convey the same to my 
 friend, }0ur aide-de-camp. Believe me to be, ray 
 dear general, &c. 
 
 P. S. — I send this after the mail, whicli left London 
 last night, in hope it may overtake it at Falmouth, as 
 I know the packet seldom sails for some days after 
 her time. 
 
SIR iSA/c nnotK. 
 
 •28S) 
 
 Mahr-Gemrnl J )hn Burnet to Sir Inane Brock, K. B* 
 Sin-vnEUHV, Ireland, Oct. 11, 1S1*2. 
 
 There has existed too long nnd too sincere ii fricnd- 
 sliip between us for inn not to feel the most lively 
 interest in the event whieh lia:< achled mieh rchit (o 
 your {icliievenient ut uiy old qiiiirtcr, Detroit.! 
 
 To evince to yon how uiiich 1 rr|j;ard you, nnd 
 liow much I have talked of vou, a I'riend of mine at 
 the Ilor«fO Guards enclosed me the Kvtrnordinary 
 Gazette, sayinf]^ he knew how nju(di I sliould he 
 gratilied : Judge then, my friontl, of my feelings that 
 you hail acq iii tied yourself with such address ; and 
 I feel some degree of pride that my 0)>inion .vas so 
 iustlv formed of your conduct, Avhenever vou should 
 liave an opj)ortuuity to di-^piay your talents. Accept, 
 then, the very sincere congratulations of an old fViend 
 on this occasion, and he assured of the happiness it 
 gives me, as well as INlrs. Burnet, who is with me, 
 and sends her love to you. 
 
 With respect to my situation, 1 oll'ered my services 
 to go to the Peninsula as soon as our promotion took 
 place, and at one time flattered myself I should have 
 gone there ; but superior interest pi-evailed, and 1 
 ■was placed on the staff of [relaruJ. 1 first went to 
 Londonderry, hut have been here six months, as more 
 central to the brigade uruler my command. 
 
 I have mv hamLi full of business, and little time 
 for private correspondence ; hut 1 could not resist the 
 impulse on an occasion so highly to the honor of an 
 old friend. Believe me, my dear Brock, &c. 
 
 P. S. — If Commodore Grajit be still alive, pray 
 remember me warndy to him and Mrs. Grant. 
 
 * This letter is api>arently written with the left hand, as if the writer 
 had lost his ri{rht. 
 
 + John TJurtiet was a lieutpiiant nf the 8th (kinp;'s> regiment, in Upper 
 Canmla, dniing and after thir first American war , and was eaptaiii lieute- 
 nant of that rcgiiiient when Isaac Broil; entered it in I7h5. Detroit was 
 retained hy the I'.ritihh nntit the year i7yCi, wlieu it was given over to the 
 Americans.— See pages 180, ISl, uutf. 
 
 O 
 
290 
 
 LIFE AND COnilKSPONDKNCE OP 
 
 J' ■ ' 
 
 I ' 
 
 l Ih 
 
 I'- 
 
 ^ li 
 
 m 
 
 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Nichol, Quartermantrr-Guncral of 
 MilitiUf to Mtijor- General Jinutk, 
 
 Detuoit, August *2r>, 1812. 
 
 I have been just informed by Colonel Proctor that 
 he intends scridirif^ an express to-morrow to F;)rt 
 George, whinh gives me an opportunity to forward 
 a few printed copies; of your ])i-oclamufion, and to 
 inform you that, in order to carry it into eHcct, it has 
 been found absolnti'ly necessary to organize the civil 
 government. Under existing circumstances, 1 have 
 advised Colonel Proctor to assume the administration 
 until your pleasure is known, to which he has agreed, 
 and the necessary arrangements consequent thereto 
 have been adopted and promulgated. In JudLje 
 Woodward, who has been appointed secretary pro 
 tenij he will find an able coadjutor ; and as your 
 object undoubtedly was to tranquillize the public 
 mind and to give the inhabitants a proof of the mo- 
 deration and benevolence of his majesty's government, 
 as well as to ensure the due administration of the 
 laws, 1 do not think a more judicious choice could 
 have been made. Tn all the discussions which took 
 plncc on this subject. Colonel Proctor did rnc the 
 honor to consult me ; and 1 have no hesitation in 
 saying, that I urged him to the step he ])as taken, 
 of which I hope you will, as it is only temporary, 
 approve. \Vc have had much difficulty in collecting 
 the public cattle and horsee, and liave suffered great- 
 ly from the predatory spirit of the Indians ; indeed, 
 their conduct has been infamous. There is hardly 
 a house on either side of the river that has not been 
 robbed by them ; they have taken away the greater 
 part of the captured horses and c.ittle, and without 
 our being able to prevent it. It has not been in my 
 power as yet to send a statement of all that we have 
 captured, as the property is so .-icatlered, but I hope 
 to finish this week. We got upwards of iil,200 in 
 inoney, and have sent down a hundred packs, worth, 
 
r 
 
 SIK ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 201 
 
 \ineral of 
 
 >, 1812. 
 
 I'octor tliat 
 ,v to F:)rt 
 o forward 
 m, and to 
 ['cct, it lias 
 c tlic civil 
 es, 1 have 
 inistratioii 
 las anjrcod, 
 nt thereto 
 In JuUljc 
 retfiry pro 
 il as your 
 the public 
 »f the rno- 
 )vernnient, 
 ion of the 
 oire could 
 
 lich took 
 d rnc the 
 sitation in 
 
 as taken, 
 emporary, 
 
 collecting 
 red great- 
 
 ; indeed, 
 
 is hardly 
 s not been 
 
 le greater 
 d without 
 een in rnv 
 It we have 
 )nt I hope 
 i-1,200 in 
 
 s, worth, 
 
 T snppofc, £l,r>()0 more. I have reason to think the 
 captured propr>rly will not be mueli under f40,()(K). 
 
 We have still WM pri-uners to ship oil", but I hope 
 to get rid of them in a few days. Public eonlidence 
 seems to be piirlially restored; business is again 
 going on, and I iiope tiiat the country will become 
 perfectly quiet. 
 
 It is impossible for in<; to say when I shall get 
 done here. 1 hope, however, it will not be long. 
 I regret that we are not able lo send you complete 
 returns of every thing; but the captured property is 
 in so many ddl'erent pluces, and .so scattered, that it 
 cannot be done. 
 
 Extract from a Cunadian Nevispapcr. 
 
 Montroal, Scptfmbor 12, 1812. 
 
 Last Sunday evening: the inliabitanti* of tins citj were gra- 
 tified witli an oxliiliilion (jqimlly novel and infi-reslinj^. 
 
 That. Cictieral Hull should liavc eiitL-red into our citj so 
 900)1, at the lu-ad of liis troops, rather I'xcieeded our expect- 
 ations. We were, however, very ha])py to see him, and 
 received him with nil the honors due to his hit;h rank and 
 iniporlanco as a public character. The following particulars, 
 relative to his journey itnd reception at Montreal, may not be 
 unintorc?ling to our readers : 
 
 It aj)pcars that (jleneral Hull and suite, nccompanied by 
 about 'i,') officers and \M>() soldiort^, loft Kingston, under an 
 escort of l^U) men, comnmtided by IMojor Ileathcole, of the 
 Newfoundland regiment. At Torn wall, the escort was met 
 by Captain Gray, of the qnarterniaster-gcnerai's department, 
 who took charye of the prisoners of war, and froiu thence 
 proceeded witl» them to La Chine, where they ariived about 
 two o'clock on Sunday afternoon. At La Chine, Captains 
 Richardson and Ogih ie, witli their companies of Montreal 
 militia, and a company of the king's, from Lower Chine, 
 commanded by Captain Blackvnore, formed the escort till 
 they were met by Colonel Auldjo, with the remainder of the 
 flank companies of the nnlitia, upon wliioh Captain Black- 
 inore's company fell out and presented arms as the general 
 and line passed, and then returned to La Chine, leaving the 
 prisoners of war to be guarded by the militia alone. The 
 line of march then proceeded to the town in the following 
 order, viz. 
 
 i: 
 

 LIFE AVn roKUKSrONDKNCE OF 
 
 I I 
 
 \' 
 
 > ' 
 
 I. JJnnd tif flit» kind's rcaiinK'nt. 
 
 !2. Tlio tirht (livisiim of the t'HCKrt. 
 
 a. (ii!iici!il Mull ill fi cnrriiiiiif, iirrnmpanird by Ciiptnin 
 Grny. Ciiptnin I full niul Miijar Hlu'klotoii follDwcil in tlu: 
 H'coiidi (ind MOinc wouiulod nfiicerH occupied lour utiiers. 
 
 4. Tlio AirK'iiemi ofK<'i'r-«. 
 
 A. Tlio iion-r'DimnisHioru'd <)Hic'cr8 and soldicrh. 
 
 Tim socdnd division of tin.' escort. 
 
 It iiiif'orluiiafply pnivj-d ratlior lafr; in tin- evening for the 
 vast ff)uc'(>uise ol spi'ctiitor.^ iistteuibled to cxpcrifnco fliut 
 ^^rati titration tlioy fo nnxiounly lt»ok«.d for. Tlii«« incojjve- 
 iiienoe was, liowj'vcr. in a ;;i('iit nu-asurii romodiiMl hy the 
 iliiiniiiintions of tho sirrt'fs tlirougii wiiich tin; liuc of nuiroh 
 passed. When llu-y arrivrd at tlu.' gener.il's liouso, tlie ge- 
 neral was ronductcd In. ami prcscntoil to lii& excel leney Sir 
 Georgo I'revost, rind was received with the greatest politeness, 
 and invitcnl to take iiji liis ri'sldence there during liis stay at 
 3Iontri.!al. Tin* other othecrs were aecoininodatod at Holmes' 
 hotel, and the soldiers lodged in the Quebec barracks. Tlie 
 general a|)pears to be about sixty years of age, and is a good 
 looking nian ; ninl we are informed by those wh(» have had 
 frequent opportunities of conversing with him, that he is a 
 man of general inforniati<in. Ho is comnuinieativp, .ind 
 seems to l)ear his niisf<irtiines with a degree of pliilosophical 
 resignation that but few men in similar cirenmstances are 
 gifted with. On Thursday last General Hull, with eight 
 American oificers, icft this city for the United States, on 
 their parole. 
 
 f r ,i 
 
 if;* 
 
 : f 
 
 i\ 
 
fit It ISAAC unocK. 
 
 2*)3 
 
 CIJArTE I{ 
 
 III. 
 
 After is;siiIn|T a ])rooliimntlon to llic inlinl)itants of 
 the ^ricliiLraii territory, by which ihrir pnvalo j)ro- 
 j)(?rty was ^c•cun'll uiiil tlicir hiws and rtjligioii coii- 
 Hrinccl, and loavinij a-* lar^e a force under Colonel 
 Proctor as could he spared at Detroit, Major-Gcneral 
 Brock ha:?tened to return to the Niajj^ara frontier; 
 and while on his \ova<' i across Lake Krie, in the 
 schooner t'liipjiawa. he v is met on theS^id of Auj;ust 
 by the provincial schooner Lady l*rcvost, of 14 ^uns, 
 the commander of which, after saluting the general 
 with seventeen gun*^, cainc on board and gave him 
 the first intelligence of the armistice which Sir George 
 Prevost had unfortunately concluded with the Anu;- 
 rican general, Dearborn. Major-General IJrock could 
 not conceal his deeo regret and mortitication at the 
 intelligence, which be feared would prevent his con- 
 templated attack on .Sackett's Harbour.* Sir George 
 Prevost, early in August, on hearing of the repeal of 
 the British orders in council, which were the prin- 
 cipal among the alleged causes of the war, had pro- 
 posed a suspension of hostilities until the sentiments 
 of the American government wore received on the 
 subject ; and to this suspension General Dearborn 
 readily agreed, with the exception of the forces under 
 
 * " Txaviny: Colonel Proctor in command on the Detroit frontier and in 
 the newly acquircHi territory, General Urock hastened his return to the 
 Nifigani line, with the intention of sweeiiin^r it of the American (garrisons, 
 which lie ktiew were then unpreiiared lor vi!i:orous resistance. But the 
 first intelligence which he received on his arrival at Fcrt George paralyzed 
 his exertions."— ywa/-<«r/.// Heview. 
 
J kI- '■ Vs-Lv . iiT'ii'rr'Mil-iiiM-f -TMrrrf li ri 
 
 Ti 
 
 
 i U' 
 
 !. f jv 
 
 i ([' 
 
 '« 
 
 294 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 General Hull, who, he said, acted under the imme- 
 diate orders of the secretary at war. But, by the 
 terms of the truce, General Hull had the option of 
 availing himself of its provisions if he thought fit, 
 and that he would gladly have done so there can be 
 110 doubt. Happily, however, owing to the ra|)idity 
 of Major-General Brock's movements, the news of 
 the armistice did not reach the belligerent command- 
 ers in time to prevent the surrender of the one, or to 
 snatch well-earned laurels from the brow of the 
 other. This armistice was attended with very preju- 
 dicial consequences, as it not only marred the attempt 
 on Sackett's Harbour, but it rendered unavailing the 
 command of the lakes, which was then held by the 
 British.* 
 
 The successful commander, in transmitiing by 
 Captain Glegg his dispatches to the governor-general 
 at Montreal, expressed, through his aide-de-camp, 
 his intention of proceeding immediately to Kingston, 
 and from thence to the attack of the naval arsenal at 
 Sackett's Harbour, on Lake Ontario.! Had its de- 
 struction been accomplished — and no one can doubt 
 that this was the proper period to attempt it, as the 
 enemy, dispirited by the capture of Detroit, would 
 probably have offered but a feeble resistance — the 
 Americans could not, without much additional diffi- 
 culty and future risk of destruction, have built and 
 equipped the fleet which subsequently gave them the 
 naval ascendancy on that lake, and enabled them, 
 twice in 1813, to capture the capital of Upper Canada. 
 The armistice, however, caused a delay of nearly a 
 fortnight in the necessary preparations, as Major- 
 
 * See extract from Letters of Veritas ou this point. Appendix A, Sec- 
 tion 1, No. 4. 
 
 t The Keneral's words to his aide-de-camp, as nearly as the latter can 
 remember, were these; " You may inform Sir George that it is my inteiitioa 
 to proceed immediately with the gallant little army, that has enabled me 
 to capture Fort Detroit and the first invading for^e of the Americans, to 
 the attack of the naval arsenal at Sackett's Harbtn r j and you may expect 
 to hear of my arrival at Kingston soon after you reach Monti eal, from 
 whence an immediate report of my intentions shall be transmitted for 
 approval to his excellency." 
 
SIB ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 205 
 
 General Brock returned from Detroit to Fort George 
 on the 24tli of August, and the cessation of the truce 
 was not known to hira until his arrival at Kingston, 
 on the 4th of Septemher. Tlje distance by water 
 between Fort George and Kin<iston is about IGO 
 miles, and from Kingston to Sackett's Harbour only 
 35 miles; so that the destruction of the arsenal might 
 have been effected early in September, had not the 
 armistice prevented the attempt. But, unhappily for 
 the interestfi of liis country and Mie credit of his own 
 fame, Sir George I*revost disap|)i'oved of the propo- 
 sition, and commanded Major-General Brock to 
 relinquish all idea of the contemplated enterprise, 
 although the official intelligence of the president's 
 refusal to continue the suspension of hostilities reached, 
 him at Montreal on the 30th of August, a day or 
 two before Captain Glegg, Avith the dispatches and 
 trophies of the capture of Detroit. At the com- 
 mencement of the war, a defensive attitude was per- 
 haps excusable, especially as the British cabinet seems 
 to have been anxious to accommodate the differences 
 between the two countries; bit aftfir the American 
 government had refused to continue the armistice, it 
 appears to us that Sir George Prevost was pursuing 
 a suicidal course in foregoing the advantages of his 
 decided naval superiority, and forgetting tht maxim 
 of *' Non progredi est regredi" as to wait for the ene- 
 my till he shall have prepared liis forces and passed 
 your frontiers, to plunder your towns and ravage 
 your country, is a very recent expedient recognized 
 by no government, and practised by no people of 
 ancient or modern times. But, notwithstanding the 
 delay caused by the armistice, the proposed attack 
 could still have been carried into effect after its ces- 
 sation ; and it was only relinquished by express or- 
 ders from the commander-in-chief. We seek not to 
 impugn his motives, as they probably originated in 
 a mistaken sense of dutv, and evidentlv from an 
 impression that to attack the Americans again on 
 
 ti 
 
'■i;i 
 
 ^ I 
 
 |!i 
 
 2m 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 tlieir own frontier ^volllJ be to render tlio contest 
 more popular among tlicm. It was under lliis im- 
 pression that, in a ireneral order-'' issued at Montreal 
 on tlie f31i?t of August, tlie commander-in-chief was 
 weak enougli to otfer an indireci apology to the 
 AnuTican people for tlie invasion of their territory 
 at Detroit. Wliether this continued defensive policy 
 was such as, under all the circumstances, ought to 
 have been observed, we leave it to others to determine ; 
 but certainly the result did not justify its expediency, 
 and the tree is nsutlly judged of by its fruit. For- 
 bearance in war, where success is probable, strikes 
 us as a positive evil that a \ery doubtful good may 
 ensue — it is seldom properly appreciated; and the 
 governor-general appears to have seen his error when 
 too late, as in the following year he v/as himself ig- 
 nobly foiled in an attack on Sackett's Harbour. We 
 cannot understand why the attack under Sir George 
 Prevost, in May, 1813, was more politic than it 
 would have been in September, the year preceding, 
 under Majoj'-General Brock ; and althou.gh Captain 
 Glcgg met wim a very chilling reception from the 
 former tvHicer, yet we would willingly acquit him of 
 any jealous feelintr wJiere suoli important interests 
 were at stake. At the same time, it is due to the 
 memory of this unfortunate officer to add, that his 
 civil adminislration was as able as his military one in 
 Canada was inglorious ; and that although bis con- 
 duct as a soldier was, on more tjjan one occasion, the 
 subject of much and juh^t animadversion in England, 
 yet he acquired the warm attachment of the French 
 Canadians, who speak highly of him to this day. 
 Those leading men who, during the administration 
 of Sir James Craig, liad been considered almost as 
 enemies, were treati'd with confidence by his succes- 
 sor, who grudually a[)pointed. ihom to situations of 
 trust, and by this wise measure secured their aid and 
 
 Appendix A, Section ), N'o. a. 
 
Pin ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 297 
 
 influence in the defence of the province.* Certain it 
 is, on tlio other liand, that Mnjor-Gcneral Brock did 
 not approve of the dcfi;nsive wurfare to which he was 
 restricted ; and subsequent events too truly {)roved, 
 that had he been pernutted to pursue that course 
 which Ills zeal and foresiolit dictated, his valuable 
 life inijrht liavo been spared, and a very ditferent 
 series of incidents in that war chiiined the attention 
 of the historian. The liifjjh-ntinded soldier could not 
 brook a state of inaction with such ])romisIng pros- 
 pects before him. Ills best feelings revolted at being 
 compellr^d to lang-uish within tlie strict pale of inili- 
 tarv obedience, when so rich a Held for ddinu' "ood 
 service presented itself; and in })lace of becomin*^ 
 the assaihint, he was soon doomed, by awaitin<^ the 
 attacks of his opponents, to sacrifice not only life, 
 but, wliat is fur dearer, the opening prospects of 
 honorable anil»ition. 
 
 On the IGth of December, 1812, the inhabitants of 
 the Niagara district addressed a spirited letter to Sir 
 George Prevost, from wliioli we copy tliC following 
 extract, as confirming what we have already stated 
 on the same subject : " Ncverth.'less, such was the 
 popularity of the general, such th3 confidence he had 
 inspired, tliat he was enabled to carry with him to 
 Detroit, though under great privations, a large body 
 of volunteers, which, in addition to the small regular 
 force at Amherstburg, enabled him to capture an 
 entire army of our invaders, with the fortress from 
 which thcv had made their descent into Canada — a 
 success unparalleled in tlie aiaials of war. Here, for 
 
 * On tl\e other hand, the Britisli Critic for May, 1823, in some observa- 
 tions \inoii the f'ivil adnunistraMon -f Sir CJiorge Prevost, m Canada, 
 asserU, among otlier allcgatious, " tii.it his domestic management of the 
 cotou)- was no less con.^nnilile tluin his military conduct. That tiiuting 
 that till Canailiiiii |i!irty g;\.\-i' jiim most tronhle. his object was to obtain 
 a terrjiiorary \)oimlarity for his own administration, and a peaceahlo resi- 
 dence foi hiniscll, liy >.:very possible '^ix'eii s and degree of weak concession, 
 which he ditrnified with tin; name of eonciiiation " These assertions are 
 denied by his family, and wn certainly thirds that Sir tJeorgc Prevost was 
 both wise and politic in conciliatitnr the freucU Canadians, who had been 
 too long treated as a conquered people. 
 
 •. t 
 
 I 
 
» I 
 
 ' 1 , 
 
 \ ( 
 
 
 
 298 
 
 LIFE AND CORUPPONDENCE OF 
 
 the first time, we got a supply of good arms. The 
 success of this first enfer[)riye, in which the mih'tia 
 were en;^aged, acted like an electric shock throughout 
 the country : it awed the disaiiected, of whom there 
 were manv; it confirmed the timid and the waverintr; 
 and it induced the Six Nation Indians, who had until 
 that time kept aloof, to take an active ]jart in our 
 favor. At that moment, such was the energy and 
 confidence that had been excited by our illustrious 
 chief and the success of his plans, that had he been 
 
 I)ermitted, he could, and would, have destroyed and 
 aid waste the whole American frontier, from San- 
 dusky to St. Regis.* Your excellency doubtless re- 
 collects the armistice which immediately preceded 
 the capture of Detroit, which gave the enemy an 
 opportunity to recover from their consternalion, to 
 fortify and strengthen their lines, to accumulate in 
 security the means of annoying us at pleasure along 
 our whole frontier, and which sent at least 800 of our 
 Indian allies in disgust to their own homes." 
 
 I (1 
 
 I I 
 
 i !■ 
 
 Colonel Bayncs to Major- General Brock. 
 
 Montreal, August 13, 1812.t 
 
 I wrote 10 you from Albany on the 8th instant, 
 but as my letter was submitted to the inspection of 
 General Dearborn, 1 of course confined myself to the 
 sole subject of the armistice entered into with that 
 officer .... A clause, admitting reinforcements to 
 pass with stores, was readily agreed to on my part. 
 General Dearborn told me that a considerable rein- 
 forcement with stores was on its way to Niagara, and 
 that he could not delay or alter its destination. I 
 informed him that we were also forvvardins; reinforce- 
 
 * From Sandusky, at the head of Lake Ene, to St, Regis, on the river 
 St. Lawrence, the distance by water is about 550 miles. 
 
 t This letter was forwarded by Brigade-Major 8hekleton with that of 
 the lath of August, ^inserted antu,) from Sir George Prevost, who doubt- 
 lesH wrote another tlie following day relative to the urmistice, but we 
 cannot find it among Major. tieuerul Brock's papers. 
 
SIR ISAAC BHOCK. 
 
 299 
 
 on the river 
 
 meiits and stores, and that it would be advisable lo 
 agree that all movements of that nature on either 
 side sln)uld be suflered to proceed unrnoltstedly by 
 troops uuder instriiotions to preserve defensive mea- 
 sures. I ura apprehensive that (General Dearborn 
 may not explicitly explain all these ])oints ; and I 
 have, therefore, cautioned all the officers to whom I 
 have conimunieated (hem, to net with the utmost 
 caution, and to be prepared for all events that may 
 arise. I feel extremely prepossessed in favor of 
 General Dearborn, whose manners appear to evince 
 great candour and sincerity : he assured me that no 
 event of his life would afford him so mucli satisfaction 
 and happiness as resigning his command, in conse- 
 quence of our honorable adjustment of differences. 
 He told me that General Hull was placed under his 
 orders merely for form sake, but that he acted by 
 particular instructions from the war department, and 
 would not consider himself bound to obey any order 
 that was not in conformity to them. 
 
 [Colonel Baynes deHciibes at length the incipient state of 
 tnililary prev>ai"ation for ifie invasion of Li)wer Canada, M'hich 
 he witnessed on his journoy ; and at'ler mentioning that tlie 
 Americans had sent the most efficient of their forces to the 
 Niagara frontier, he adds ; ] 
 
 Under all these circumstances, which I have repre- 
 sented to Sir George, I have strongly urged his 
 sending you further reinforcements, which I am sure 
 can be spared : we are at present checked from the 
 want of conveyance, but I trust after the corps, now 
 on their route, are dispatched, that Sir George will 
 be induced to send you further aid, and that of the 
 best description. I think it of the highest import- 
 ance, particularly if we are likely to arrange matters 
 with the States, that the balance of military events 
 should be unequivocally in our favor. 1 found a 
 very general prejudice prevailing with Jonathan, of 
 his own resources and means of invading these pro- 
 vinces, and of our weakness and inability to resist, 
 
 ii' 
 
 I' 
 
 ! I 
 
 li 
 
' ' l; 
 
 3(J0 
 
 LIFE AND CORRF.SPONOnNCE OF 
 
 f: r \ i: 
 
 ( 'f: 
 
 ■i-. ■ 
 
 both exajxgcrated in a most absurd and c\trava<jant 
 dijpjroo — a little practical correction of tliis error 
 Avoiild he attended with tiie best eft'ccts. 
 
 Th<3 1st battalion of the royals arc upwards of I.ICM) 
 strong', but sickly, havinij; suffered ironi their lon<; 
 residence in the West Indies, and they arc in conse- 
 quence marked for the Quebec garrison. 
 
 Major- Oev era I. Brock to Colonel Proctor. 
 
 Fort Georoi:, August 25, 1812, 
 
 I wrote to you yesterday, inform in^r you that a 
 cessation of hostilities had been ajjreed upon between 
 Sir George Prevost and General Dearborn, and re- 
 questing you in consequence to postpone any attempt 
 upon F<»rt Wayne, or any other post of the enemy. 
 I consider the present forbearance may lead to such 
 consequences, that I cannot refrain from sending a 
 second express, to urge you to restrain the Indians 
 likewise in theij- j)redatory excursions : this, however, 
 ouuht to be done with the utmost caution, and on 
 grounds foreign from the present considerations. 
 
 Colonel Myers tells me that he forwarded, on the 
 11th instant, a dispatch received from Sir George 
 Prevost to me, in which his excellency so clearly 
 stated the principles of moderation upon which he 
 thought it expedient to act, that I fully expect, 
 should you have received the dispatch and perused 
 his sentiments, vou will forbear from anv hostile 
 aggression ; in fact, act completely upon the defensive. 
 
 Should every thing remain quiet in the vicinity of 
 Detroit, you will proceed hither, bringing to Fort 
 Erie the detachments which Captain Chambers and 
 Lieutenant Bullock took to Amherstburg. All the 
 spare ordnance is to be transported to Fort Erie. 
 
 I should also think that Lieutenant Troughton and 
 a few of his men could be spared for some time from 
 the duties at Amherstburg; in that case, you will 
 have the goodness to order them to accompany you. 
 
SIK ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 301 
 
 n conse- 
 
 Major-General Brock arrivcil at Kingston, wlicre 
 he Nvas greeted witli a snluto froii) the roval urtillorv 
 and every dcrnoiistralion of altacliment, on tlie tlh of 
 September, and left it on the Oth for Fort Geornje. 
 During this hasty visit ho reviewed the militia, and 
 expressed his satisfaetion at its evolutions and appear- 
 ance. i\e also received a flattering' address from the 
 magistrates, officers of militia, and other iidiabitants ; 
 and in reply he told them with much lact, that it was 
 the conihlence ins^pired hy the admirable conduct of 
 the York and Lincoln regiments of militia which had 
 induced him to undertake the expedition which ter- 
 minated in t!ic capture ot' Detroit; and that from the 
 report of the officers of the garrison at Kinj^ston, ho 
 relied with the same confidence on the bravery and 
 the discipline of the militia of that district. Tn the 
 same manner, to an address a few days before from 
 the inhabitants of York, he replied ; '' Gemlemen, I 
 cannot but feel highly gratified by this expression of 
 your esteem for myself; but, in justice to the brave 
 men at whose head I marched against the enemv, I 
 must beg leave to direct vour attention to them, as 
 the proper objects of your gratitude. Jt was a confi- 
 dence, founded on their loyalty, zeal, and valour, 
 that determined me to adopt the plan of operations 
 Avhich led to so fortunate a termination. Allow mc 
 to congratulate you, gentlemen, at having sent out 
 from among yourselves a large portion of that gallant 
 band ; and that at such a period a spirit had mani- 
 fested itself, on which you may confidently repose 
 your hopes of future security. It will be a most 
 pleasing duty for mc to report to our sovereign a 
 conduct so truly meritorious." 
 
 u' 
 
 ^1 
 
 Major-General Brock to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 Kingston, September 4, 1812. 
 
 Upon my arrival here an hour ago, Captain Fulton 
 delivered me your excellency's dispatch, dated the 
 
302 
 
 LIFJJ AND COKRESPO.SDENCE OF 
 
 i ; 
 
 
 ! ■' 
 
 i\4 
 
 u 
 
 ;31st iiltlnio, enclosing a letter from General Dear- 
 born, in which the president's disapproval of the 
 armistice is announced. I am in consequence in- 
 u duced to return witliout loss of time to Fort George. 
 Captain Fulton having expressed a wish to accom- 
 pany me, I have the more readily consented, as lie 
 will bo able to give you full information of our actual 
 state. The enemy was very busy upon Fort Niagara, 
 and appeared inclined to erect additional batteries. 
 I may perhaps think it proper to stop their career. 
 
 I enclose several documents lately received from 
 Colonel Proctor, at Detroit. That officer appears to 
 have conducted himself with much judgment. I 
 likewise transmit a ntemorial which I have received 
 from some merchants in the Niagara district, but of 
 course I cannot judge of its merits. 
 
 I shall be obliged to your excellency to direct the 
 remittance of the ,£5,CH)0, for which I sent a requisi- 
 tion some time ago, on account of the civil expendi- 
 ture of this province, either in government paper or 
 specie, as you may deem most convenient. I doubt 
 not the former meeting a ready currency. 
 
 The very flattering manner in which your excel- 
 lency is pleased to view my services, and your kind- 
 ness in having represented them to his majesty's 
 ministers in such favorable light, are gratifying to 
 ray feelings, and call for my grateful acknowledgments. 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 Ml 
 
 V ! 
 
 Major- General Brock to Sir George Prevost, 
 
 Fort George, September 9, 1812. 
 
 I have been honored with your excellency's dis- 
 patch, dated the 24th ultimo, and have to thank you 
 for ordering a company of the Glengary regiment to 
 strengthen Colonel Lethbridge at Prescott, whose 
 force you have been led to believe was weakened in 
 consequence of my interference, but which, I beg 
 leave to state, was done without my knowledge, and 
 contrary to my intention. 
 
 ' t ■: 
 
\[ Dear- 
 l of the 
 lence in- 
 George. 
 ) accom- 
 id, as he 
 ur actual 
 Niar;ara, 
 batteries, 
 career, 
 ved from 
 ppears to 
 ment. I 
 1 received 
 ct, but of 
 
 direct the 
 
 a reqiiisi- 
 
 l expendi- 
 
 paper or 
 
 I doubt 
 
 )ur excel- 
 our kind- 
 majesty's 
 itifying to 
 edgraents. 
 
 vst, 
 
 ), 1812. 
 
 }ncy's dis- 
 thank you 
 igiment to 
 )tt, whose 
 :>ukened in 
 ch, I beg 
 edaje, and 
 
 I 
 
 SIR ISAAC DKOCK. 
 
 30;3 
 
 The enclosed copies of letters will inform you of 
 the state of affairs to tlic westward. It appears evi- 
 dent the enemy meditates a second attempt on Am- / 
 herstburg. The greater part of the troo))s, which are 
 advancing, marched from Kentucky with an intention 
 of joining General Hull. How they arc to subsist, 
 even for a short period, in that already exhausted 
 country, is no easy matter to conceive. Tiiis diffi- 
 culty will probably decide them on some hohl mea- 
 sure, in the hope of shortening the campaign. If 
 successfully resisted, their fate is inevitable. 
 
 The Indians, it appears by l he accompanying docu- 
 ments, were adverse to retreoling without first mak- 
 ing a trial of their strength. Taking, however, every 
 circumstance into consideration, I am inclined to 
 think that Captain Muir acted judiciously. Should 
 the Indians continue to afford a willing co-operation, 
 I entertain not the smallest doubt of the result that 
 awaits this second attrmpt to turn my right; but 
 your excellency will easih^ perceive that doubts and 
 jealousies have already seized their minds. The offi- 
 cers of the Indian department will, I trust, be able to 
 remove all such impressions. Although, from the 
 daily observations of what is passing on the opposite 
 shore, a single man can ill be spared from this line, I 
 have notwithstanding determined to send the two 
 ilank companies of the royal Newfoundland regiment 
 to Amherstbnrg. Fresh troops are daily arriving, \/ 
 supposed to belong to the Pennsylvania quota of 
 2,000 men, known to be intended for this frontier. 
 After the whole arrive, an attack, I imagine, cannot 
 be long delayed. The wretched state of thf ir quotas, 
 and the raggedness of the troops, will not allow them 
 to brave the rain and cold, which during the last 
 ■week have been so severely felt. 
 
 Between 200 and 300 Indiana have joined, and 
 augmented the force on the other side Their brethren 
 here feel certam that they will not act with any spirit 
 
 against us- 
 
 • so I imagine, if we continue to shew a 
 
 't 
 
304 
 
 LIFE AND COHRESPONnENCE 01' 
 
 [ 1^ 
 
 s. 
 
 bold front ; l)ut in the event of a disaster, the love of 
 ])lun(lor will ])rc\ail, and they ■will then act in a 
 manner to he tliu inoist dreaded by the inhabitants of 
 this country. 
 
 1 beg leave to reconrunend to your excellency's 
 indulgent considoration, Colonel L'ro(!tor's a)»|>lication 
 for an increase of ji.iy as corainandin^ a district, which 
 I requet^t may con nience from the IGlh of August last. 
 
 Colonel liayncs* to Major- General Tiroch. 
 
 MoNTUEAf,, Septcniber 10, 18.12. 
 
 Sir (Jcorge writes to you so fully upon the several 
 subjects to which your letters refer, that 1 have little 
 left to coinniunicate to yon. Major Heuthcote leaves 
 this to-day, with all the small description of ordnance 
 stores intended for Arnherstburg, but we have detained 
 the 12-pounders and shot: as you have helped your- 
 self so amply at Detroit, it is imagined you do not 
 now want iheni. I enclose a letter from Captain 
 Roberts, who was, 1 suppose, induced to address 
 himself direct to head quarters, by an opportunity of 
 doing so offering: itself ot the moment. The North- 
 West gentlemen are very urgent in recommending a 
 reinforcement in tliat quarter; but Sir George has 
 told them that their representations must be addressed 
 to you, who will act as you deem pro|)er. 
 
 Your friend, Mr. Isaac Todd,i is arrived, and 
 looking much better for his trip; he was suffered 
 to pass by Albany and the lake. He tells me that 
 Mr. M^Donell is confirmed as attornev-n-eneral, and 
 tiiat the governor's salary is increased .£1 ,00<) a year. 
 I sincerely trust that it will soon be your own. Sir 
 
 * Colonel Bayncs became a major-general in Jnne, 1814, and died in 
 that rank, at Sidmouth, in I8-29. 
 
 + Scvrral letters in tiie collection written by Mr. Todd to Sir Isaac 
 Brock's family after his deatli, prove him to have leen a warm admirer 
 and friend of the general. We learn in "Astoria," thit the armed ship, 
 " Isaac Todd," of "iO guns, was prepared by the North- VV<>st Company, in 
 1813, with which to form an establishracat at the mouth of the Columbia 
 river. 
 
SIR ISAAC HUOCK. 
 
 '.MU. 
 
 M, and (lied ia 
 
 ■1 
 
 GeorfTO lias, in Jils ofHcIiil (lis|)rit<;1i(!S, after pay ■!_ 
 that tril)iitc of praise fo Justly your duo, stated as hi» 
 coufiruipd opinion, that the salvation of the IJ^pper 
 Vroviiire has, in a very great measure, arisen from the 
 civil and rnilitarv authority heintj: coniliined in able 
 hands. The prisoners, with their general, arrived 
 hero on Sunday night ; as they had not halted since 
 they left Kingston, and were in a very dirty state, 
 we kept them here on Monday, and they yesterday 
 proceeded to William Henry, on their way to (^uebee ; 
 the officers are to be on parole in Charlesbourg, and 
 the men confmed on board two transports in the river. 
 Sir George has permitttxl most of the officers, who 
 liavc families with them, to return on their parole; 
 four of them are proposed to be exchanged for the 
 officers of the Royal Scots, taken by the Kssex, frigate. 
 Sir George has also consented to allow General J I nil 
 to return u|)on his parole : he is loud in his complaints 
 against thi' government at Washington, and the gene- 
 ral thinks that his voice, in the universal cry, may be 
 attended with beneficial eiVects, and has allowed him 
 to return and enter the lists. General Hull appears 
 to possess less fl'eling and sense of shame than any 
 man in liis situation couhl be supposed to do. He 
 seems to be perf(.'ctly satisfied with himself, is lavish 
 of censure upon his government, but appears to think 
 that the most scrupulous cannot attach the slightest 
 blame to his own immediate conduct at Detroit. The 
 grounds upon which be rests hi^ defence are not, I 
 fancy, well founded, for he told us that he had not 
 gunpovvder at Detroit for the service of one day. Sir 
 George has since shewn him the return of the large 
 supply found in the fort ; it did not create a blush, 
 but he made no reply. He })rofesses great surprise 
 and admiration at the zeal and military preparation 
 that he has everywhere witnessed; that it was entirely 
 nnlooked for, and that he has no doubt that his friend. 
 General Dearborn, will share his fate, if he has the 
 imprudence to follow his example. Hull seems cun- 
 
 / 
 
 \^ 
 
\\ ' 
 
 JWO 
 
 LIFE AND COIinESl'ONnK.XrE OP 
 
 .•?! : f 
 
 r^ 
 
 i I 
 
 n\uo; nnd unprincipled : liow rnnoli roliuncft Is to be 
 placcil on his professions, lirno will shew. 
 
 General Dearborn lias certainly left Albany for 
 Skcensborougli, at the head of the lake, where ^reat 
 preparations have ]hcu niakin<r in eollectin<:; Ixiats 
 and sending the regulars from Greenbush to the sta- 
 tions in our vicinity. Major Cotton, with about I3()0 
 men, half of the king's regiment, Is stationed at Fslo 
 aux Noix,* and two gun-boats have been carried into 
 that river, as the enemy's preparations seem to indi- 
 cate that quarter as their j>oint of attack. Colonel 
 Murray commands at St. John's, and will give them 
 a warm reception. I do not feel a doubt of Jona- 
 than's complete discomKture and disgrace, if he make 
 the attempt : we could, I fancy, bring as many it. on 
 as ho will be able to persuade into the field, and of 
 very superior stuff, for our militia have really im- 
 proved beyond all expectation in discipline, and with 
 it in spirit and confidence. This town woidd turn 
 out 2,0(X,) volunteer militia, a great proportion of 
 whom are clothed and very tolerably drilled. We 
 have destroyed all the roads of communication in our 
 front, leaving open the water route only ; and these 
 woody positions will be shortly occupied by the 
 Indians of this neighbourhood, and a corps of volun- 
 teer voija<ieur Canadians. The enemy's preparations, 
 however, may bo a feint to cover some plans in agita- 
 tion against your province. 
 
 I send you a long letter from Kempt for your 
 perusal, with a sketch of Badajos, though no longer 
 recent news. I ani sure the interest you lake in the 
 success of our arms, and In his share in particular, 
 will induce you to read it with pleasure. 
 
 * "Coteau du l,ac and Isle aux Noix are the keys of Lower Canada; 
 the fornuT conuiletely commands the navipation of the ^(t. Lawrence, 
 between the Upper and Lower Provinces, and the latter liad been so 
 decidedly reffarded as the barrier of Lower Canada from the Clminplain 
 frontier, that it excited the particnlar attention of the French engineerK 
 in tlie last defence of the country, and was afterwards fortified at consi. 
 deral)le expense by General Haldimaud, during the war of the American 
 revolution."— Vu«r^eW^ Review, 
 
SIR ISAAC nnocK. 
 
 307 
 
 ce Is to bu 
 
 ilbniiy for 
 here ^roiit 
 tinj:; boats 
 to the sta- 
 ubout 300 
 nod at Isle 
 arried into 
 5m to indi- 
 . Colonel 
 give tlicm 
 t of Jona- 
 if be make 
 many iron 
 lid, and of 
 really im- 
 ;, and with 
 would turn 
 oportion of 
 illed. We 
 ition in our 
 and these 
 ed by the 
 IS of volun- 
 reparations, 
 ns in agita- 
 
 t for your 
 
 1 Tio longer 
 
 take in the 
 
 particular, 
 
 Lower Cannria ; 
 
 St. Lawrence, 
 pr had boon so 
 
 the Cliainplain 
 ciuh eugiucerR 
 )rtirteii at consi- 
 )f the Aiuericau 
 
 
 \ 
 
 i 
 
 Colonel Proctor to Major-deneral Jiroch. 
 
 Dktuoit, Septombor 10, 1812. 
 
 T have just rt'colved your U;ttor from Kinpfstori, of 
 the 4th Iiisti'.nt, and shull act accorilingly. Enclosed 
 1 send a rctiu n of the ordnance and ordnance siorcB 
 sent in the (^ucen Charlotte ; no shot were sent, 
 because, as I luidorstand, there is already a quantity 
 of each calih o at Fort George. The remainder of 
 the prisoners of war, exceptiuf^ some sick and wound- 
 ed, were also sent on hoard the Charlotte, with a 
 guard of two subaltern cflicers and forty men of tho 
 41st regiment, whom I now cannot atFurd to part 
 with. J had ordered the deserters ou board, but 
 have had the dissatisfaction to find that they Iiavo 
 not been sent. Annexed is also a list of provisions 
 and stores captured on tho 10th tiltimo. 1 assented 
 to the absence of Lieut.-Colonel Nichol for a short 
 time, on the urgency of his private affairs, and the 
 probability of tho armistice continuing. Major 
 Givens has been of great us distance to me in his 
 department. I regret his going, but I could not 
 detain him longer than there was a probability of my 
 returning soon to Tort George. As you directed, a 
 sergeant of the 41st regiment (Leonard Smith) has 
 been ap})ointed to act as deputy barrackmaster at tins 
 place. I shall be much gratified if it should be con- 
 firmed. I found on my arrival here, that the boats 
 and tho eiigatjcs ot tho South-West Company had 
 been detained, and employed in the service. They 
 have been under the direction of Lieutenant Bender, 
 41st rt jiment, and have been of the greatest use. 
 They have been provisioned, and I suppose arc enti- 
 tled to pay as militia. T am sending a detachaient 
 of the 41st regiment and militia, with 3-pounder3, to 
 aid the Indians against Fort Wayne. It shall be 
 conducted with every prudence and expedition. The 
 Detroit will sail in a few days for Fort Erie : Judge 
 Campbell goes in her. I have required 100 more of 
 
 .{ 
 

 308 
 
 LIFE AND CORUESPONDENCE OF 
 
 
 i ' k 
 
 Hi 
 
 tlio iniliria, making them 4(X.), bc^^i(.lcs t!ie 30 mountod, 
 wlio arc to keep up tlio oomniuiiicaiioii willi the 
 Moravian town. TW of tlie Muekinu Indians are 
 ari'ivcd ; tliey mot the express sixty miles on this side 
 of Maekitia : thoy are just in time for Fort Wayne. 
 The Hunter shall sail without delay, 
 
 f.Sevora) tnonths after our first oclitinn was vmblishprt, w.' hoanl from an 
 oflicer. formerly of the ii/tli, that thn materials relative tu Colonel after- 
 warrts Major (ieiieral; Proctor, in the " Campaijriis in the Canadus" -■ 
 Qunrii'riy H:-riew, No. 5-1, already eitcd — were forni>he(l by Captain 
 Vroetor, his nephew and son-in-law. We hail always su^pcrted that they 
 were the production of Major-trcneral Pri.iotor or cf his friends, as they 
 bear internal evidence of heinp so. In that article, comparatively little is 
 said of Sir Isaac Brock, while General Proctor is unduly enlogi/ed, and 
 always cruelly at the expense of Sir (leorg-e Prevo'st, hecause he saw tit to 
 speak of the battle of ilie Moravian town with unqwalified censure. In 
 the same manner, more credit is i,'iven in the Review — ysee ext/act in 
 Appendix A, Section 1, Nf). (5,' with what justice the reader niust deter- 
 mine—to C-'olonel Proctor, for the capture o( Detroit, than to Major- 
 (ieneral Urock, althoLi^h the former advised the latter not to cross the 
 river ! arid Tecumseh, by his Crt|)ture of the American dispatches, certairily 
 contributed far more to the success than Cohnicl Proctor, t^aptaiu 
 Proctor furnished his materials ten years after Sir Isaac Urock's death, 
 forg'etting perhaps that althonf;h dead men tell no tales, the\r private 
 letters sometimes do, DitI Captain P — - ever hear of an anecflote of 
 Tecamseii, who used to remark m hi.s broken Knglish . " (ieneral Brock 
 say ' reeumseh, row*' fight Yankee ' General Proctor say, 'Tecumseh, 
 ffo flight Yankee.' "] 
 
 Sir George Prevost to Major-General Brock. 
 
 Montreal, September 14, 1812, 
 
 Captain Fulton arrived on the 11th instant with 
 your letter of the 7th;* the intelligence yuu have 
 communicated by it convinces me of the necessity 
 of the evacuation of .Fort Detroit, unless the opera- 
 tions of the enemy on the Niagara frontier beai a 
 character less indicative of determined hostile miin- 
 sures against your line in their front, than they clid 
 when you last reported to me. You will, therefore, be 
 plea.sed, subject to the discretion I have given you 
 under the circumstances to which I have alluded, to 
 take immediate steps for evacuating that post, toge- 
 
 * Wc cannot discover a copy of Major-General Brock's lettei ol the 
 "til September, to Sir Georj^e Prevost, to which the latter otficer refers in 
 his letter of "he 14th. We may add, that we have given every letter o( 
 interest which passed between these two ofticers that we have found, but 
 .some letters from SirGeori^e Provost, especially those cujoiuiug defensive 
 measures, are evidently missinij. 
 
sifi ISAAC nnorK. 
 
 a09 
 
 tlier witli tlic territory of Mioliigan ; by tin's nirnsnre 
 vou will bo enabled to witlidrau a <;roatcr mmiber of 
 the troops from Amlierstburp;, iui^tcaii of takiiip; lluni 
 from Colonel Vineejit, \vliosc regular force ought not, 
 on any account, to be diminished. 
 
 1 have already atiorded you reinforcements to the 
 full extejit of my ability ; you must not, therefore, 
 expect a further supi)ly of men froivi hence until I 
 shall receive from England a cronsiderable increase to 
 the present re<:;ular force in this province ; the posture 
 of affairs, particnlarly on this frontier, requires every 
 soldier who is in the country. 
 
 In my last dispatch from Lord Bathnrst, dated the 
 4th of July, he lells me, " that his majesty's jrovern- 
 ment trusts I will be enabled to suspend with perfect 
 safety all extraordinary preparations for defence whicii 
 I may have been induced to make in conscciuence of 
 the precarious state of the relations between this 
 country and the I'nited States; and that as every 
 specific requisition for warlike stores and accoutre- 
 ments which had been received from me liad been 
 complied with, with the exception of the cloth ing of 
 the corps proposeil to l)e raised from the Glengary 
 emigrants, he had not thouuht it necessary to direct 
 the preparation of any further supplies.'' This will 
 ati'ord you a strong proof of the infatuation of his 
 majesty's ministers upon the subject of American 
 affairs, and shew how entirely 1 liave been left to my 
 own resources in the event which has taken place. 
 
 Judging: from what }ou have already effected in 
 Upper Canada, I do not doubt but that, with your 
 present means of defence, you will be able to maintain 
 your position at Fort George, and that the enemy 
 will be again foiled in any further attempts they may 
 make to invade tlie provitice. 
 
 I leave to your discretion to decide on the necessitv 
 of sendina a reinforcement lo Michilimackinac. 
 
310 
 
 LIFE AXD CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 I .'i 
 
 f I > 
 
 Major-General JJroch to Colonel Proctor. 
 
 FouT George, September 17, 181 "2, 
 
 1 have had before me vour several communications 
 to the 11th instant, addressed to myself and to Major- 
 General SheafFe. I approve of your havinjT detached 
 a party to aid in the reduction of Fort Wayne, not 
 only because its destruction will render your position 
 more secure, but also from the probable result of sav- 
 ing tbe garrison from sharing the fate of that of Chi- 
 cago ; but it must be explicitly understood, that you 
 are not to resort to offensive warfare for purposes of 
 conquest. Your operations are to be confined to mea- 
 sures of defence and security. With this view, if you 
 should have credible information of the assembling of 
 bodies of troops to march against you, it may become 
 necessary to destroy the fort at Sandusky, and the 
 road which runs through it from Cleveland to the foot 
 of the rapids : the r )ad from the river Raisin to De- 
 troit is perhaps in too bad a state to offer any aid to 
 the approach of an enemy, except in the winter ; and 
 if a winter campaign should be contemplated against 
 you, it is probable that magazines would be formed in 
 Cleveland and its vicinity, of all which you will of 
 course inform yourself. In carrying on our opera- 
 tions in your quarter, it is of primary importance that 
 the confidence and good will of the Indians should be 
 preserved, and that what6oe%er can tend to produce a 
 contrary effect should be most carefully avoided. I, 
 therefore, most strongly urge and enjoin your acting 
 on those principles on every occasion that may offer, 
 inculcating them in all those under your influence, 
 and enforcing them by your example, whether in your 
 conduct towards the Indians or what may regard 
 them, or in your language when speaking to, or of, 
 them. I am aware that they commit irregularities at 
 times, which will make this a difficult task ; but you 
 must endeavour to perform it — attending, at the same 
 time, to the means already suggested to you for pre- 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 311 
 
 venting, as much as possible, a repetition of disorderly 
 conduct. 
 
 Colonel E is a respccablo, gentlemanly man, 
 
 but he by no means possesses the influence over the 
 Indians which Captain M'K does. I recom- 
 mend to you to promote, as far as in you lies, a good 
 understanding with and between them, and to observe 
 a conciliating deportment and language towards the 
 latter, that his great influence may be secured and 
 emploj'ed in its fullest extent for the benefit of ar 
 district, and for the general good. In conversation 
 with him, you may take an opportunity of intimating, 
 that I have not been unmindful of the interests of the 
 Indians in my communications to ministers ; and I 
 wish you to learn (as if casually the subject of con- 
 versation) what sUpulations they would propose for 
 themselves, or be willing to accede to, in cat-o either 
 of failure or of success. 
 
 I understand tliat salvarre has been demanded from 
 individuals on several accounts, for property recovered 
 or restored, for patents, &c. &c. I lament that such 
 a course has been adopted, for it was my intention, 
 and it is now mv Mish, that our conduct in those mat- 
 ters should be governed by the broadest principles of 
 liberality. You will, therefore, be pleased to have 
 returned to the several individuals the amount which 
 each may have paid as salvage on any account. 
 
 With respect to calling out the militia, I am parti- 
 cularly desirous that it should not be resorted to but 
 in cases of urgent necessity, and then only in siich 
 numbers as shall be actually required. It appears to 
 me that the cavalry employed exceed the number that 
 may be indispensably necessary : if, without risk or 
 detriment to the public service, any of either of those 
 corps can be spared, let them be dismissed. 
 
 I wish the engineer to proceed immediately in 
 strengthening Fort Amherstburg, his plan for which 
 I shall be glad to see as soon as possible. 
 
 Of the ordnance stores of every description, you 
 
 \ 'I 
 
 .1 
 
;312 
 
 LIFE AND COKRi:srONDENCi: OF 
 
 flH 
 
 will reserve sunli proportions as may he iibsolutely 
 required i'rv tlie ])ul)lic service in your aiftriet, and 
 cause rlie remainder to be embarked and sent down lo 
 Fort Erie witb tlie least possible delay. 
 
 I cannot at present make tbe change in the distri- 
 bution of the 41st re^^imejit whieli you propose, but 
 whenever circumstances may ))ermit, 1 shall be happy 
 to accede to your wishe?. 
 
 " Major- General S. V. Renaselai^r to 3foJor-Ge)urnl Brock. 
 
 Head Quarters, Lewiston, Sept. 17, 1812. 
 
 1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
 your letter of yesterday evenin<4; an extract of a 
 letter addressed to you on the 1-lih instant by Captain 
 Dyson, of the United States rfginieni of artillery ; 
 also a packet addressed to the Honorable Albert 
 Gallatin, secretary of the treasury of the United 
 States. 
 
 Colonel Van Rensselaer will have the honor to 
 deliver this communication, and 1 have entrusted hiiu 
 to solicit your pcrmissioji lor an inlervic w with Captain 
 .T3yson, for the purpose of ascertaining, particularly, 
 the condition of the prisoners of war under his charge, 
 to the end that they mav be relieved from Fort Niagara, 
 if practicable ; and if not, that I may, without delay, 
 state their condition to the government, that they may 
 receive from the proper department the earliest pos- 
 sible supplies. 
 
 The women and children, and siicli other persons 
 as have accompanied tlic detachment from Detroit, 
 and ought to be here received, 1 will immediately 
 receive at Fort Niagara, or such other convenient 
 place as you may order them to be landed at. 
 
 In a communication wliich I some time since had 
 the honor of receiving from Lieut. -Colonel Myers, he 
 assured me that it had been the constant study of the 
 treneral officer commanding on this line to discounte- 
 nance, by all means in his power, the warfare of sen- 
 
sin ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 313 
 
 i'mvU ; yet the frequent recurrence of this warfare 
 ^vltliin a few days past, would warrant the presump- 
 tion that a different course has been adopted. I wish 
 to be assured, of this fact. 
 
 Major-^ General Brock, to Mnjnr- (General S. J". Rcni'sclaer. 
 
 Head Quarters, Fort George, Sept. 17, 1812. 
 
 T have the honor to acknowlcd^-e the receipt of your 
 letter of this date. Captain Dyson has obtain(Ml my 
 permission to cross on his parole to tlie United States; 
 he lias, however- reque^'ted to remain till to-morrow, 
 to settle willi the men of his detachment. He shall in 
 the mean time have an interview with Colonel Van 
 Kensselaer. 
 
 Measures will be immediatelv tal'.en to land the 
 wonien and children at Fort jNiagara. 
 
 It has been with the utmost regret that I have per- 
 ceived within tht'se few davs a very heaw lirin'ijfrom 
 both Sides of the river. .1 am, however, given to 
 undersland, that on all occasions it conanenced on 
 yours ; and troni the circumstance of the flag of truce, 
 which I did myself the honor to send over yesterday, 
 having been repeatedly tiresl upon, while in the act of 
 crossing t!ie river, 1 am inclined to give full credit to 
 the correctness of the information. Without, how- 
 ever, recurring to the past, you may rest assured on 
 ray rej)eating my nu)st {)ositive orders against the con- 
 tinuance of a practice, which cun only be injurious to 
 individuals, without promoting the object which both 
 our nations may have in view. 
 
 We cannot find the dis))atch from Sir George 
 Prevost of the 7th of September, to which the next 
 letter is an answer, but it could not have been of a 
 very pleasing character. 
 
• t 
 
 I 
 
 
 ! i fl:^^ 
 
 314 
 
 LIFE AND COUHESPONDENCE OF 
 
 t>i 
 
 I , 
 
 If 
 
 If! U 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 Major- General JBrock to Sir George Provost. 
 
 FouT George, Scptembor 18, 1812. 
 
 I have been honored with vour excellency's clls- 
 patch, (luted the 7th instant. 1 have implicitly fol- 
 lowed yonr excellency's itnitnictions, and abstained, 
 under great temptation and provocation, from every 
 act of hostility. Tlin information received from a 
 deserter, and which I had the honor to dolail in my 
 last, is lar from correct, and, where credit is to be 
 given, the facts apply solely to tbe regular force. The 
 militia, being selected from the most violent demo- 
 crats, are generally inclined to invade this province — 
 provisions are in tolerable plenty — the oidy complaint 
 arises from a want of viMjfetables. It is currently 
 reported that the enemy's force is to be iticreased to 
 7,000, and that on tlieir arrival an attack is immedi- 
 ately to be made. I am convinced the militia would 
 not keep together in their present situation without 
 such a prospect, nor do I tjiink the attempt can be 
 long deferred. 8ickneri!S pre\ails in some degree 
 along tlie line, but principally at Black Rock. 
 
 The fiank companies of the royal Newfoundland 
 have joined me. A sergeant find twenty-live rani: 
 and file of the Veterans arrived at the same time, 
 whom 1 propose sending to Michilimackiniic. 
 
 The enclosed letter from Colonel Proctor will in- 
 form your excellency of a force having been detached, 
 under Captain Muir, for the reduction of Fort Wayne.* 
 I gave orders for it jirevious to rny leaving Amherst- 
 burir. which must have induced Colonel Proctor to 
 proceed, upon receiNing intelligence of the recom- 
 mencement of hostilities, without vvaiting for further 
 directions. 1 retjret exceedinfjly that this service 
 
 * Fort Wayne is situafcd at the junction of tin St. Mary and St. Joseph 
 rivers, which t'r)rni tin; Miami ol tlic lake, and ?)0i more tlian twelve miles 
 from tiie navifcrabtf waters of the Wahash. 'riii> post is nearly in the cen- 
 tre of thi' liidirin scttleraeiits on this side the Mississij)pi. Many Indian 
 villagres lay from twelve to sixty miles from this \AB.ce,~-Urown's Aineri- 
 van Ihstun/. Auburn, 1S13 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 315 
 
 should be undertaken contrary to your excellency's 
 wishes; but I beij; leave to ns'^uro you, that the prin- 
 cipal object in sending- a British turce to Fort Waynu / 
 is with the hope of pre^ervino- tlie lives of the <i;arrison. 
 Uy the last accounts, the j»hice was invested by a nu- 
 merous body of Indians, svitli very little jiroJpect of '' 
 being relieved. The prisoners of war, who know per- 
 fectly the situation of the <rarrison, rejoiced at tl»e 
 measure, and give us full credit for our intentions.* 
 
 The Ijidians were likewise looking to us for assist- / 
 
 ance: they heard of the armistice with every mark of 
 jealousy, and, had we refused joining them in the 
 expedition, it is impossible to calculate the conse- 
 quences. 1 jr.ive already been asked to pledge my 
 woi'd that England would enter into no negotiation 
 in 'vliich their interests were not included ; and, could 
 they be brought to imagine that we should de.?ert 
 them, the con.«equen<jes must be fatal. 
 
 1 shall be obli<red to vour e.\cellencv to direct 
 ,£5,fM)() to be transmitted to the receiver-general, for 
 the civil expenditure of this province. Army bills, I 
 make no doubt, will answer every purpose. 
 
 This dispatch is entrusted to Lieut. -Colonel Nichol, 
 quartermaster-general of this militia, whom I take the 
 liberty to introduce to vour excellencv, as pcrftjctlv 
 qualified, from his local knowledge and late return, to 
 afford every information of the state of ail'airs in the 
 western district. He is instrncted to make exten^sive 
 purchases of necessaries for the use of tlie militia, and 
 I liave to entreat your excellency to indulge him with 
 the means of a speedy conveyance back to this place. 
 
 Major-Goneral Brock to his brother Snvery. 
 
 FoiiT George, Sejitember 18, 1812. 
 
 You doubtless feel much anxiety on my account. 
 I am really placed in a most awkward predicament. 
 
 * Caiitain Muir, while unhis nimcli in the siatt» of Oliio, wass prevented /^ 
 from reachi' g Fori Wayne hy tlie uuexpecttd approach of a superior 
 American force, and comj)eUed to retiiru. 
 
 n 
 
 I 
 
 I ' 
 
 I 
 
 w 
 
iti M t i S Hr J^ ' -i^'^' " ' »f ^ 
 
 316 
 
 LIFE AND ronnESPOXnEVCE OF 
 
 / 
 
 if I get tlirou^h my ])rcscnt difticiilties with tolerable 
 success, .1 cannot but obtain praise. But I have al- 
 ready surmounted difficulties of infinitelv greater 
 magnitude than any within my view. Were the 
 Americans of one mind, the opposition I could make 
 would be unavailing ; but 1 am not without hope that 
 their divisions may be the saving of this province. A 
 river of about 500 yards broad divides the troops. 
 My instructions oblige me to adopt defensive mea- 
 sures, and I iiave evinced greater forbearance than 
 was ever jiractii^ed on any former occasion. It is 
 t ''ought that, without the aid of the sword, the Ame- 
 rican people may be brouglit to a due sense of their 
 own interests. I firmly believe I could at this mo- 
 ment sweep every thing before me between Fort Nia- 
 gara and BuH'alo — but my success would be transient. 
 I have now officers in whom 1 can confide : when 
 the war commenced, 1 was really obliged to seek 
 assistance among the militia. Tlie ilst is an uncom- 
 monly fine refjiment, but wretchedly officered. Six 
 cotn panics of the 49th are -vvith me here, and the re- 
 maining four at Kingston, under V'^incent. Although 
 the regiment has been Xqw years in this country, drink- 
 ing rum without bounds, it is still respectable, and 
 apparently ardent for an opportunity to acquire dis- 
 tinction : it has five captains in England, and two on 
 the staff in this country, which leaves it bare of expe- 
 rienced officers. The U. S. regiments of the line 
 desert over to us frequently, as the men are tired of 
 the service : opportunities seldom offer, otherwise I 
 have reason to think the greater part would follow the 
 example. The militia, being chieHy composed of 
 enraged, democrats, are more ardent and anxious to 
 cny-ase, but they have neither subordination nor disci- 
 pline. They die very fast. You will hear of some 
 decided action in the course of a fortnight, or in all 
 probability we shall return to a state of tranquillity. 
 I say decisive, because if I should be beaten, the 
 province is inevitably gone ; and should 1 be vie- 
 
SIR ISAAC DROCK. 
 
 ;U7 
 
 \ tolerable 
 I have Jil- 
 y greater 
 Were the 
 ould make 
 
 jiope that 
 vince. A 
 he troops, 
 isive rnca- 
 rance than 
 on. It is 
 
 the Ame- 
 se of their 
 ,t this mo- 
 1 Fort Nia- 
 e transient, 
 ide : when 
 ed to seek 
 an iincom- 
 :ered. Six 
 and the re- 
 
 AUhoun;h 
 itry, drink- 
 stable, and 
 cquiro dis- 
 and two on 
 ire of expc- 
 )f the line 
 ire tired oi 
 otlierwise I 
 1 follow the 
 )m posed of 
 
 anxious to 
 m nor disci- 
 ar of some 
 it, or in all 
 tranquillity. 
 
 beaten, the 
 d I be vic- 
 
 torious, I do not imagine the gentry from the other 
 side will be anxious to return to ilie charge. 
 
 It is certainly somethint; sintrular that we should be 
 upwards of two months in a state of warfare, and that 
 along this widely extended frontier not a sin<jl(; death, 
 eitlier natural or bv the sword, should ha'. e oecurred 
 among the troops iimlcr w ^mnuind, and we have 
 not been altogether idle, nor has a single desertion 
 taken place. 
 
 I am quite anxious for this state of warfare to end, 
 as 1 wish much to join Lord Wellington, and to see 
 you all. 
 
 Has poor Betsey recovered the loss of my voung and 
 dear friend, John Tapper? 
 
 .Sir Gvorgt) Prevost to Major- Gem ral Brock. 
 
 Montreal, September 2^5, 1812, 
 
 It no longer appears, by your letter of the llith, 
 that you consider the enemy's operations on the Niagara 
 frontier indicative of active operaiiony. If the govern- 
 ment of America inclines to defensive measures, I can 
 only ascribe the determination to two causes : the first 
 is, the exj)ectation of such overtures from us as will 
 lead to a suspension of hostilities,, preparatory to nego- 
 tiations for peace ; the other arises from having ascer- 
 tained, by experience, our abdity in the Canadas to 
 resisi the attack of a tumultuary force. 
 
 In consequence of your having weakened the line 
 of communication between Cornwall and Kingston, a 
 predatory warfare is carrying on there very prejudi- 
 cial to the intercourse from hence with 13 pper Canada. 
 I have ordered a company of the Glengary to Pres- 
 cott to strengthen Colonel Lethbridge, and, under pre- 
 sent circumstances, you arc not to expect further aid. 
 
 I agree in opinion with you, that so wretched is the 
 organization and discipline of the American army, 
 that at til is moment much might be etiected against 
 them ; but as the government at home could derive 
 
ui 
 
 31K 
 
 LIFE AND COHRKSPONDENCE OF 
 
 no subslaiit.i;il udvanta^jo from uny disfjrrice we mifrht 
 inflict on tiiorn, wliilst tlie more important t'onccriis of 
 the country are committed in J'iiiropc,^ I a<^ain reqiiost 
 you will steadily pursue tliat policy wliicii sliull ap- 
 pear to you best calculated to promote the dwindling 
 away of such a force by its own inefHcuent means. 
 
 I shall receive with much satisfaction Colonel 
 Proctor's report of having saved the garrison of Tort 
 Wayne from the inhuman fury of tlie Indians. I am 
 particularly anxious tliat class of beings should bo 
 restrained and controlled as much as possibh;, whilst 
 there exists a pretence of implicatinj^ the national 
 character in their cruelties. 
 
 The next letter not only explains the impolicy of 
 obeying Sir Georcjo Prevost's p.-ovisional orders for 
 the evacuation of Detroit and the Michigan territory, 
 but also ably deprecates any abandonment of our 
 Indian allies. ^V^ith such leaders as its author and 
 Tecumseh, uhat might not have been done in that 
 war to obtain the security and regeneration of this 
 much injured people ? But, alas ! these " kindred 
 spirits" ]i\'\\ not long enough to plead their cause, 
 and in the negociations fur peace their interests were 
 shamefully overlooked or cruelly forgotten ; * al- 
 though, in the first American war, the Indians had 
 also, with fesv exceptions, taken ])art with Great 
 Britain atj'ainst the colonists in their contest for inde- 
 pendence.t It is true that their mode of warfare is 
 abhorrent to Europeans, as differing from the more 
 
 * "The Indians on this occasinri" (tlie def'nco of Michiliniackinac, in 
 18)4,) " beliavert villi e.'.\eM\j)iiiry ?.eal and fidelity in our cause; and 
 indeed their attachment throughout has been such as to make mc blush 
 for my country, in the dereliction 'jf tho'r interests in the negociations at 
 Ghent, after so many promises made then!, and .so fair a prospect at the 
 commencement of these negociations." — Letters of Veritas. 
 
 + Jn the life of Robert Jackson, M. D., inspector general of army hos- 
 pitals, who served in the first American war, it is statet!. that "the colo- 
 liial government acted witli flagrant bad faith and injustice towards the 
 Indian nations ; nor Jias the republican government atoned for the traus- 
 gressions of its parent, but added sins of its own." 
 
1 
 
 8in ISAAC nnocK. 
 
 yiu 
 
 c'oiicenis of 
 
 ill shall ap- 
 e dwinclling 
 it ineaiis. 
 ion Colonel 
 ijson of Fovt 
 liaiis. 1 am 
 H slionld bo 
 siblc, wlillst 
 the Lational 
 
 impolicy of 
 al orders for 
 ran territory, 
 monl of our 
 B author and 
 done in that 
 ation of this 
 |sc " kindred 
 their cause, 
 nti-rests were 
 olten ; * al- 
 Jndians hud 
 with Great 
 test for inde- 
 lof warfare is 
 om the more 
 
 lichiliniackinac, in 
 our cause.} and 
 .0 make rac blush 
 10 m'gociations at 
 u prospect at the 
 'it as. 
 
 loral of army hos- 
 . that "the colo- 
 isitice towards the 
 )iicd lor the trau^i- 
 
 honorahhi siaufrhfcr of ririlizrd coinhafan's, and as 
 esclio\vin<jj ihc courlosics and tin' ibrnialitics of mudern 
 strife; but Sir Isaac Hroclv pr»)v<Ml ihut tiicy \v<to to 
 be reslraiiu'.'l, and Tocuin^cli was as humane ns he 
 was brave. Moreover, wo should not condemn llioir 
 previous cx(!esscs without reinend)criti[r the many in- 
 juries they iiad received. Tlic\ knew from sad expe- 
 rience that they could place no faith in the whiter, 
 who hail loni',' nonsidored them as lejial pre\ , and too 
 often treated them as the bruti- animals of the forest. 
 Expelled from the coasts, and dispossessed of their 
 hunting grounds, they had been gradually driven 
 westward, until lliey had too much cause to apprehend 
 that the cupidity of their invaders would be satisfied 
 only with their utter extermination. "The red men 
 are meltinrr,'' to borrow the expressive metuj)hor of ;i 
 celebrated Miami chief of the last century, " like 
 snow before tiie sun,'' and their total extinction seems 
 to be rapidly and irresistibly apjtroaehinfi. And we 
 must not fonjet that tlie aboriuiua) denizens of the 
 west were formerly numerous, moral, and hapf)y, 
 althounh they are now lanfruishing and ])ining away 
 before the inroads of civilization, until many nations 
 ha -e become nearly extinct ; and the present degene- 
 rate scions of the last of their noble race, shorn of 
 their power, scarcely retain even a vestige of those 
 lionorable, v.'^tuous, and manly traits of character, 
 for which their ancestors were once so pre-eminently 
 distinguished. Indeed, it is melancholy to refl(?Ct, 
 that the aborig-ines of both continents of America 
 Imve, from their first intercourse with iMiropeans or 
 their desceiulants, experienced nothing but fraud, 
 spoliation, cruelty, and ingratitude. 
 
 Mojor-GenCial Brock to Sir Geovije Prevost. 
 
 York, September 28, 1S12. 
 
 I have been honored with vour excellencv's dis- 
 patch, dated the 14th instant, 1 shall suspend, under 
 
 
 
 
;wo 
 
 LIFi: AM) ( OMRKSI'ONDENCK OF 
 
 l>' 
 
 si 
 
 ; 'I 
 
 1 
 
 
 V 
 
 the latitude left by your exeellency to my diseretloi., 
 tlie evueuation of I'ort Detroit. Such a nuayurc 
 would most prolrably J • followed by the total extinc- 
 tion of the |)o|»ulatiou on that side of the river, or the 
 IndiaiiH, aware of our weakness and inability to earry 
 on active warfare, would only think of enferinu; into 
 terms with the enemy. The Indians, since the Miami 
 afl'air, in J7*.>'^, have been extremely suspicions of our 
 conduct ; but the violent wrongs committed by the 
 Auierieans on tlu.'ir tenilory, have rendered it an act 
 of policy with them to dis-guise their sentiments. 
 Could they be persuaded that a peace between the 
 belligerents wouUI lake place, without admitting; their 
 claim to an extenriive tract of country, fraudulently 
 usurped from them, and opnosiiitr a frontier to the 
 ])re8ent unbounded views ot' tin American?;, 1 arti 
 satisfied in my own mind that they would imme- 
 diately compromise with the enemy. J. cannot con- 
 ceive a connection so likely to lead to more awful 
 consequences. 
 
 W w< can maintain ourselves at Niagara, and keep 
 the communication to Montreal open, the Americans 
 can oidy subdue tlu; Indians by craft, which we 
 ought to be j)repar(d to see excited to the utmost. 
 Tiie enmity of tlie Indians is now at its heijijht, and 
 it will reijuire much manaL^ement and lar^j^e bribes to 
 (Jfect a chanfje in their jwlicv ; but the moment they 
 are convinced that we either want the means to j)ro- 
 si?fcute the Avur with spirit, or are neiijociating a sepa- 
 rate peace, they will bey;in to study in what manner 
 they can most effectually deceive us. 
 
 Should neg;ociations for peace be opened, I cannot 
 be too earnest with your excellency to n^present to 
 the king's ministers the expeiliency of including the 
 Indians as allies, and not leave them exposed to the 
 unrelenting fury of their enemies. 
 
 The enemy has evidently assumed defensive mea- 
 sures along the strait of i\iagara. His f(U'ce, I appre- 
 hend, is not equal to attempt an expedition across the 
 
tlisrrctioi., 
 
 a nicapurc 
 toiiil cxlino 
 •ivtr, or the 
 llty to carry 
 iitcrimi; into 
 e tlic Miami 
 cioiiM ol'oiir 
 itti'd l»y the 
 red it nn act 
 
 seiitinu'iits. 
 l)Pt\vcoii tlie 
 miftiti^ llxMf 
 fraudiilL'iitly 
 oiilier to the 
 icims, 1 am 
 kould inimc- 
 I cannot con- 
 
 nioro awful 
 
 ra, and keep 
 lO Auicricans 
 "t, Avliich we 
 
 tilt; inmost. 
 
 hoijulit, and 
 ifo bribes to 
 Tiioniont they 
 neans to Jtro- 
 utin*5 a sepa- 
 ^vhat manner 
 
 lied, I cannot 
 represent to 
 
 including the 
 : posed to the 
 
 iftTisive mca- 
 )rce, I appre- 
 
 I 
 
 8IK isAAr nnorK. 
 
 3^-21 
 
 river uith any proba})iIiiy of siiccrsp. It is, liow- 
 over, currently reported that iar^'e reiiiforoernentM are 
 on tlieir march ; shonid they arrive, an attack iNinnot 
 be long delayed. The approKrh of tlie rainy seanou 
 will increase tiio sickness with which the troojw are 
 already attlictcd. Those under my command are in 
 perfect health and spirits. 
 
 I iiavc the honor to transmit the jnirport t)f a con- 
 fulential coinmiinication "^^ received in my ahsetujc by 
 Brifjade- "Major Iwans from Coh)nel Van Kcnssclaer. 
 As your excellency's instrnctions a^rcc with the line 
 of conduct he is anxious I should follow, uotliin<; of 
 a lioblilc nature shall he attempted under existing 
 circumstances. 
 
 T>. G. O. FoKT Georijk, SoptPinbor 22, 1812. 
 
 The major- pfon oral eomirianilirig r mniH his particMilar 
 thanks to the inililia (or the huiHlsomi niamior in wliich they 
 havp, on all occasions, vnlunfforcd their services for duties of 
 fatipue, and is pii-ascd to direc t, iliat, lor the present, service 
 for such duty bhull be diapcuscd with. 
 
 By Ord.jr. 
 
 Thomas Evans, li. M. 
 
 * Thlscoinmunictttion, of which wohavc no imrticiilurs, is the more sin- 
 gular, as (..'olonel \ tin Ki'iissclafi coninuincliHl tlic ^t(l^an^•p of tt •Amtricnii 
 attuckiiit: iiarty oii tlie I'Uti r)t Octithcr, wIkh Sir Isaac- Brock lust his 
 lift'. Colonel Vaii Reiisbdaer was severely wouiidtd on that day. 
 
 y 
 
 t , 
 
 _; ; 
 
 i \ 
 
 on across 
 
 the 
 
 II ♦ 
 
322 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 " He bleeds, he falls, his death bed is the field ! 
 His dirge the trumpet, and his bier the shield • 
 His closing eyes the hcani of valour speak, 
 The flush of ardour liiifrers on his cheek ; 
 Serene he lifts to heaven those closing eyes, 
 Then for his couutry breathcb a prayer, and dies ! " 
 
 Mrs. Hemans. 
 
 ill 
 
 1 'i 
 
 m 
 
 The Americans, burning to wine away the slain of 
 their discomfiture at Detroit, and apparently deter- 
 mined to ])enetrate into Upper Canada at any risk, 
 concentrated with those views, along the Niagara 
 frontier, an army consisting, according to their own 
 official returns, of 5,*20(3 men, under Major-General 
 Van Rensselaer, of the New York militia; exclusive 
 of 30() field and light artillery, 800 of the 0th, 13th, 
 and 23d regiments, at Fort Niagara ; making a total 
 of 6,3(X) men. Of this powerful force, 1,040 regulars, 
 under the command of Brin;adier Smvth, were at 
 Black Rock ; 380 inililia at the last named j)lace 
 and Buffalo; and 1)00 rctrulars and •2,270 militia at 
 Lewistovvn, distant from Black Rock 28 miles. Thus 
 the enemy had, along their frontier of 30 miles, 3,f>50 
 regulars and 2,0o0 militia.'^ To oppose this force 
 Major-General Brock, whose head quarters were at 
 Fort George, liad under liis immediate orders part 
 of the 41st and 49th regiments, a few comj)anies of 
 militia, amounting to nearly jiaif these regulars, and 
 from 200 to 300 Indians— in all about 1,500 men — 
 but so di^persed in difllerent posts at and between 
 
 * James' Military- Orcurrerjoes. 
 
s. Hkmans. 
 
 the stain of 
 ently deter- 
 it any risk, 
 he Niagara 
 ^ their own 
 or-General 
 exclusive 
 {5th, 13th, 
 cing a total 
 regulars, 
 I, were at 
 med place 
 ) militia at 
 nil OS. Thus 
 miles, 3,r)50 
 e this force 
 ers were at 
 orders part 
 ompiiiiics of 
 oulars, and 
 ,500 men — 
 nd between 
 
 i 
 
 SIR ISAAC HROCK. 
 
 323 
 
 Fort Erie and Fort George, '3-1 miles apart,) that 
 only a small number wms quickly available at any one 
 point. With unwearied diligence tlic British com- 
 mander watched the motions of the enemy ; but under 
 these circumstances it was impossible to prevent the 
 landing of the hostile troojis, especially when their pre- 
 parations were favorod by the ob'-curity of the night. 
 
 On the Dth of October, the brig Detroit, of '200 i/ 
 tons and G guns, (lately the U. S. brig Adams,) and 
 the Norlh-Wcsl Company's brig Caledonia, of about 
 l(M) tons, having arrived the preceding day from 
 JJerroit, were boarded and carried opposite Fort 
 Erie, before the dawn of day, liy Lieutenant Elliott, '^ 
 of the American navy, v.'ith 100 seamen and soldiers 
 in two large boats. This officer wjis at this time at 
 Black Rock, superintending the ('(jiiipment of some 
 schooners, lately purchased for the service of Lake 
 Erie. But for the (hfohslrf measures to which 
 Major-Oeneral Jkock was restricted, he would pro- 
 bablv have destrovcd these verv schooners, for whose 
 equipment, as vessels of war, LieutcMiant Elliott, and 
 50 seamen had licen sent from New York, The two 
 British brigs contiiined 41) prisoners, some cannon 
 and small arms, captured at Detroit, exclusive of a 
 valuable quantity of furs belonging to the South- 
 West Company, in the Caledonia. Joined by the 
 prisoners, the Americans \\ ho boarded numbered 140, 
 and the crews of the two brigs, consi.-tmg of militia 
 and Canadian seamen, amounted to ()S. After the 
 capture. Lieutenant Elliott succeeded in getting the 
 Caledonia close nnder the batteries at Black Rock, 
 but he was compelled by a fen well-directed shots 
 from the Canadian shore, to run the J^etroit upon 
 Squaw Island. Here she was boarded by a subal- 
 tern's detachment from Fort Erie, and the Americans 
 soon after compluted her destruction by setting lier 
 on fire. Some lives were lost on this occasion, and 
 among the Americans a Major Cuyler was killed by 
 a shot from Fort Erie, as he was riding along the 
 
 } ■ '1 
 
 
 1^ 
 
 i i 
 
 .M 
 
 ; 'i 
 
 s ( 
 
 
324 
 
 LTFE AM) COnRESPON PENCE OF 
 
 iM 11 
 
 ii < 
 
 : i 
 
 »-' 
 
 beach on the opposite side of tlie river. It will be 
 seen bv the fo! lowing letter that Sir Georn-e Prevost 
 is tacitly reproached for havin<;', by his instructions, 
 ))revented tlie destruction, or at least the attempt, of 
 the incipient American navy on Lake Erie, and which 
 the followinj; year wrested its command from the 
 liritish. But Sir Isaac Brook's hands were tied, 
 and lie was doomed to "the bitterest of all griefs, to 
 see clearly and yet to be able to do nothing," 
 
 Sir Isaac Brock to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 Fort Geougk, October 11, 1812. 
 
 I had scarcelv closed my dispatcdi to your excel- 
 lency, of the !)tlj, when I was suddeidy called away 
 to Fort Erie, in consequence of a bold, and, 1 regret 
 to say, successful attack by the enemy on his majes- 
 ty's brig Detroit, aiul the private brig Caledonia, 
 which had both arrived the preceding day from Am- 
 herstburg. It appears by every account I liave been 
 able to collect, that a little before day a number of 
 boats full of men, dro|iped down with the current 
 unobserved, l)oarded both vessels at tlie same moment, 
 and, cutting tiieir cables, were proceeding with them 
 to the American shore, wlien Major Ormsby, who 
 witnessed the transaction, directed the batteries to 
 open upon thcni, and soon compelled the enemy to 
 abandon the D-troit, which grounded about the cen- 
 tre of Sqnaw island, a little more than a mile below 
 Black Rock. Slie was then boarded by a party of 
 the 49th reginient ; but as no anchor remained, and 
 being otherwise unprovitled with every means by 
 which she could be hauled off, the otHcer, throwing 
 her guns overboard, after sustaining a smart fire of 
 musketry, decided to quit her, A private, who is 
 accused of getting drunk, and a prisoner of war, who 
 was unable from Ins wounds to escape, with about 
 twenty prisoners brought by the Detroit from Am- 
 herstburg, remained however behind ; these it became 
 
sill ISAAC nuocK. 
 
 a-2rj 
 
 necessary to remove before the vessel could be de- 
 stroyed, and Cornet Pell Major, of the provincial 
 cavalry, offered his services. Bcinjj unfortunately 
 wounded as he was gcttiuo; on board, and fallini^ 
 back into the boat, a confusion arose, during which 
 the boat drifted from the vessel, leaving on board 
 two of the 41st, who iiad ftreviously ascended. In 
 tlie mean time the Caledonia was secured by the 
 enemy, and a cargo of furs, belonging to the Houth- 
 West Company, londcd. 
 
 The batteries on both sides were warmlv enszuo-ed 
 the whole of the day, but I am happy to say no mis- 
 chief was sustained by tlic enemy's fire. 1 readied 
 the s]»ot soon after sun-set, and intended to liave 
 renewed the attempt to recover the Detroit, which I 
 had every prospect of accompli'>l»ing, assisted by the 
 crew of the Lady l*revost, which vessel had anchored 
 a short time before ; but before the necessary arrange- 
 ments could be made, the enemy boarded her, and in 
 a few minutes she was seen in Hames. 
 
 This event is particularly unfortunate, and may 
 t iduce us to incalculable distress. The entmy ig 
 iiaking every eiceriion to gain a naval superiority on 
 both lakes, which if they accomplish 1 do not see 
 Ijow we can retain the country. ]More vessels are 
 fitting out for war on tie other side of Squaw L>>land, 
 which I should have attempted to destroy but for 
 your excellency's repeated instructions to forbear. 
 Now such a force is collected for their protection as 
 will render every operation against them very hazard- 
 ous. The manner our guns were served yesterday, 
 points out tlie necessity of an increase, if possible, of 
 artillerymen to our present small number of regulars. 
 The militia evinced a good spirit, but fired without 
 much effect. The enemy, however, must have lost 
 some men ; and it is only wonderful that, in a contest 
 of a whole day, no life was lost on our side. The fire 
 of the enemy was incessant, but badly directed, till 
 the close of the day, when it began to improve. 
 
 X 
 
326 
 
 lAFT AND UORHESPONnENCE OF 
 
 I ^ 
 
 I . 
 
 i'^i 
 
 ^ f 
 
 Lieutenant Rolette, who commanded the Detroit, 
 had, and I believe deservedly, the character of a 
 brave, attentive officer. His vessel must, however, 
 have been surprised — an easy operation whero she 
 lay at anchor ; and I have reason to suspect that this 
 consideration was not sufficiently attended to by tlie 
 officers commandini^ on board and on shore.* 
 
 We have not onlv sustained a heavy loss in the 
 vessel, but likewise in the cargfo, which consisted of 
 four 12-poundors, a large quantity of shot, nnd about 
 2(K) muskets:, all of which were intended for Kino-ston 
 and Prescott. 
 
 The only consolation remaining is, that she escaped 
 the enemy, whose conduct, after his first essay, did 
 not entitle him to so rich a prize. The enemy has 
 brought some boats over land from Schlosher to the 
 Niagara river, and made an attempt last night to 
 carry off the guard over the ston* at Queenstown. I 
 ghall refrain as long as possible, under your excel- 
 lency's positive injunctions, from every hostile act, 
 although seuL^ule that each day's delay gives him an 
 advantage. 
 
 Sir Isaac Brock to Colonel Proctor, at Detroit. 
 
 The unfortunate disaster which has befallen the 
 Detroit and Caledonia will reduce us to great dis- 
 tress. They were boarded wliilst at anchor at Fort 
 Erie and carried off: you will learn the particulars 
 from others. A quantity of flour and a little pork 
 were ready to be shipped for Amherstburg ; but as I 
 send you the flank companies of the Newfoundland, 
 no part of the provisions can go this trip in the Lady 
 Prevost. It will be necessary to direct her to return 
 with all possible speed, bringing the Mary under her 
 convoy. You will husband your pork, for I am sorry 
 to say there is but little in the country. 
 
 * Sir Isaac Brock was much displeaseti, and justly, at the want of pre- 
 caution wliich allowed these two \ essels to ')e cajitured under the guns 
 of Fort Erie : and, we df lieve, that he immediately entrusted its command 
 to I.ieut. Colouel Myers, in whom he had great confidence. 
 
sin ISAAC BROriv. 
 
 327 
 
 An active, intercsfino- scene is goinn- to commence 
 with you. I uni perfectly ut ease as to the result, 
 providrd we can nianai^c the Indians and keep them 
 attaclied to vonr cause, which in tact is theirs. 
 
 Tiie fate of tlie province is in your hands. Judg- 
 in|T by every appearance, we are not to remain long 
 idle in this quarter. Were it not for the positive 
 injunctions of the connnander of the forces, 1 should 
 have acted with trreater decision. This forbearance 
 may be productive of ultimate good, but I doubt its 
 policy — but perhaps we have not the means of judg- 
 ing correctly. You will uf course adopt a very 
 ditlerent line of conduct. The euemy must be kept 
 in a state of constant ferment. If the Indians act as 
 they did under Tccuniseh, who probably might be 
 induced to return to Amhersiburg, tliat nrn)y will 
 very soon dwindle to notliing. Your artillery must 
 be more numerous and effective than any iho enemy 
 can bring, and your store of ammunition will enable 
 you to harass hiui conlinuallj , without leaving much 
 to chance. 
 
 I trust you will have destroyed, every barrack and 
 public building, and removed the pickets and other 
 defences around the fort at Detroit. 
 
 Y'ou will have the goodness to state the expedients 
 you possess to enable us to replace, as far as possible, 
 the heavy loss we have sustained in the Detroit. 
 Should I hear of reiuforcements coming up, you may 
 rely upon receiving your due j)roportion. Nothing 
 new at Montreal on the 2oth ult. Lord Wellington 
 has totally defeated Marmont, near Salamanca.* I 
 consider the game nearly up in Spain. May every 
 possible success attend you. 
 
 [The iireccdin^ letter is transcribed frnm a rough copy in tlie general's 
 handwriting, and, not bcin/,' dated, ina)' ncit have beeu transmitted, as it 
 was wiitttn only a day or two before his rt,.ath.] 
 
 * " It is also creditable to the military character of the little island of 
 Guernsey, that ot the five British peneraN killed in action m 1S12, two, 
 whose names follow in the obituary of flu- Aiutunl Irmi/ List fur Irtl3, 
 wero Major- CivnuTal L-j Marchanl, tith Dragoon Guards, at the battle of 
 Salamanca, and Major (iencral Sir Isaac Urock, K.B., 49th foot, in 
 America,"'— D«/iC(in'« History of Guernsey. 
 
 > ! 
 
 I! 
 
328 
 
 LIFE AND COHRESI'ONDENCE OF 
 
 rK;< 
 
 Miy or- General Brock to Sir George Prevost. 
 
 October 12, 1812. 
 
 The vast imtnber of troops wliit-h havo been this 
 dav added to the strong fon?e )>revioaslv collected on 
 ihe opposite side, convinces me, with other indica- 
 tions, that an attack is not far distant. T have in 
 consefjiicnce directed every exertion to be made to 
 complete the militia to 2,(.M){) men, but fear that I 
 shall not be able to etTect my object with willini^, 
 well-disposed characters. Were it not for the num- 
 bers of Americans in our ranks, we mi^ht defy all 
 their efforts against this part of the province. 
 
 [Tfii' ahovi! lottpr is also from ii ropy written Imrriedly by Sir Isaac 
 Hrock only u few lioius tu-lnn hi* d' ath. aiift it may not have been 
 forwardt'U. Plus was probably tlie lasf time tic ever wrotf.) 
 
 
 A dav or two prior to the battle of Queenstown, 
 Major-General Brock wrote copious instructions for 
 the guidance of the officers contmanding at the dif- 
 ferent jiosts on the Niagara river, in the event of their 
 being attacked, and he explained the probable points 
 which ho thoufjht iho eneuiv would select for accom- 
 plishing his descent, lie evidently entertained a high 
 opinion of the discipline and prowess of the British 
 soldier, as in tliese instructions he observed ; "• If we 
 weiifh M'ell the character of our enemy, wu siiall find 
 liini more disposed to brave the impediments of nature, 
 when they afford Jiim a probability of accomplishing 
 his end by surprise, in pnjftjrence to the certainty of 
 encountering IJriti'-h troops ready formed for his re- 
 ception." The original draft of these instructions in 
 the general's writing, contains scarcely an erasure or 
 correction. 
 
 On the 4th of October, an American spy was sent 
 to the Briti-^li side, and returned Avitli information 
 that ^Major-General Brock had proceeded to Detroit 
 with all the force that could be spared from the 
 Niagara frontier. Encouraged by these false news, 
 
SIB ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 3-29 
 
 wliic'h porliaps tlu; Amcricau general circulated fo 
 induce his troops to <3ross over, every prci>aralion was 
 made for a descent upon Quoenstoun. On the niorn- 
 infj of the 11 ih, the enemy assembled aforoo at Lewis- 
 town, opposite to <,'iiecnsr,own, with tlie view of mnk- 
 incj an immodiute attack on the latter; but, throuLjjh 
 some mismanajjement in eonduciintc the bouts to the 
 place of embarkation, tho attack was delayed. Early 
 on the morninj:; ot Tuesday, tlie liJth, the enemy's 
 troops were agahi concentrated and errd>arked in 
 tliirteen bouts at Lewistown, rmder cover of a com- 
 mandin'^ batt»^' of two 18 and two 0-)jounders, 
 which, w t\» . " dd-picccs, cont)>l ■<.]• commanded 
 every part of the opposite shore, from whicli musketry 
 could be effecturd in opposin<^ a landing'. Tlic only 
 British batteries from which ilio enemy could be 
 annoyed in the passag'e were one, mounting" an 18- 
 ])Ounder, upon Queenstown Heights, and another, 
 mounting a ti4-pound carroiuule, situate a little below 
 the village. Tlirec of the boats put back, while the 
 remaining ten, with 2'25 regulars, besides officers, 
 struck the shore a little above the village of Queens- 
 town, and immediately returned for more troops. 
 The British force in Queenstown consisted of the two 
 Hank companies of the 49th regiment and the York 
 volunteer militia, auiounling in all to about 3(X) rank 
 and file. Of these about ()(), taken from the 49th 
 grenadiers, and Captain Hatt's company of militia, 
 imder Captain Dennis,* of the 41)lh, advanced at four 
 o'clock, a. m., with a 3-pounder against the first 
 division of the enemy, under Colonel Van Kensselaer, 
 wlio liad formed liis mea near the river, and was 
 awaitino: the arrival of the next boats. The Ameri- 
 cans were driven with some loss behind a steep bank, 
 close to the water's edge, where they were reinforced 
 by afresh supply of troops, aiul whence they returned 
 the fire of the British. In the mean time, the re- 
 
 * Tho present (oloncl Sir James Deimis, K, C. H., lieut. -colonel 3d foot: 
 an officer of above fifty years full-pay service, and several times woundeil. 
 
 i I 
 
330 
 
 LIFE AND CORIIF.SPOXDENCE OF 
 
 r 
 
 t \ 
 
 :'! ;r 
 
 I f 
 
 iiifiliitlor of the 41)tli gronadiors and of the militia 
 ooiiipnriy joined (Japtaiii Dennis ; wliilc the 40th 
 light company, under Captain Williams, with Cap- 
 tain Chisholnrs conii)any of militia, stationed on the 
 brow of the iiill, fired down upon the invaders. 
 
 Sir Isaac Brock for some days had suspected this 
 invasion, and the evening preceding it he called his 
 staff together, and gave to each tlie necessary Instruc- 
 tions. Agreeably to his usual custom, lie rose before 
 dayliglit, and hearing the cannonade, awoke Major 
 
 '"' Olcgg and called for liis liorse, Alfred, wlilch Sir 
 James Craig I.ad presented to him. His first impres- 
 sion is said to have been, that the attatrk indicated bv 
 
 r tlie firing was only a feint to draw the garrison from 
 Fort George, and tliat an American force lav con- 
 cealed in boats around the point on which Fort 
 Niagara stands, ready to cross over as soon as the 
 rusfi had succeeded. He. therefore, determined to 
 
 y ascertain personally the nature of the attack ere he 
 withdrew the garrison ; and with this view he gal- 
 lopped eagerly from Fort George to the scene of 
 action, passing, with his two aides-de-camp, up the 
 hill at full speed in front of the 'ight company, under 
 a heavy fire of artillery and musketry from the 
 American shore. On reacliing the 18-pounder bat- 
 tery at the top of the hill, they dismounted and took 
 a view of passing events, which at that moment 
 appeared highly favorable. But in a few minutes a 
 firing was heard, which }>roceeded from a strong de- 
 tachment of American regulars under Captain Wool,* 
 who had succeeded in gaining the crest of the heights 
 in rear of the battery, by a fisherman's path up the 
 rocks, which, being reported as impassable, was not 
 guarded. Sir Isaac Brock and his aides-de-camp 
 had not even time to remount, but were obliged to 
 retire precipitately wiih the twelve n)en stationed in 
 the battery, which was quickly occupied by the ene- 
 
 * This officnr is, we believe, the Aaicrican general of that name, now 
 eng'aged in the war against Mexico. 
 
SIU ISAAf" niJOCK. 
 
 331 
 
 bat name, now 
 
 my. IIo now dispatchetl orders to M.-ijor-Oenoral 
 Slicaffe to liastcii up with tlie troops iroiii Fort 
 Georpe, and also for the l)uttcriii«^ of the American 
 fort Niii^rara.* Captain Wool havin<r sent forward 
 ahout ir>() regulars, Captaiji VViiiianis' detachment, 
 of about 100 men, advanced to meet them, personally 
 directed hy the general, wlio, ohserviiig the enemy to 
 waver, ordered a charge, which was promptly exe- 
 cuted ; but as the Americans gave " ey, the result 
 was not e(jual to his expectations. Captain Wool 
 admits that he reinforced his regulars, " notwith- 
 standing wliich the whole were driven to the edge of 
 the bank." f Here some of the American officers 
 were on the point of lioistin<j a white flag, with an 
 intention to surrender, when Captain Wool tore it off, 
 and reanimated his dispirited troo})s. They nuw 
 opened a heavy fire of musketry ; and conspicuous 
 from his dress, his height, and the enthusiasm with v^ 
 which he animated his little band, the British com- ) 
 mander was soon sinjiled out, and he fell ahout an 
 hour after his arrival, the fatal bullet entering his 
 right breast and j)assing through his left side. lie 
 had that instant said : " Push on the York volun- 
 teers;" and he lived only long enough to request 
 tliat his fall might not be noticed or prevent the 
 advance of his brave troops, adding a wish, which 
 could not be distinctly understood, that some token 
 of remembrance should be transmitted to his sister.:}: 
 He died unmarried, and on the same day a week 
 previously, he had completed his forty-third year. 
 The lifeless corpse was innnediately conveyed into a 
 
 * ThiK was done with so much effect by Bripailc-Major Evans, who 
 was left in charsje, that it.i tiro was silenced, and its garrison was com- 
 pclleil to abundoa it. 
 
 + Sec Captain Wool's letter, Appendix A, Section 2, No. 3. 
 
 t An uld pensioner, mentioned in the second chapter, and now residing 
 in Guernsey, who was in the litfht company of the Mjth, at Queonstown, 
 tells us that he was close t) thi sreneral when he was shot — that be fell 
 on his face, and . \at on one of the men running up to ask him if he were ^/ 
 hurt, he answered ; " Push on, don't mind mo." The pensioner also says, 
 that he never saw so many j;entlemen and ladies shed tears as at General 
 Brock's funeral, and that even the Indians and their wives wept bitterly. 
 
 \\ 
 
;}32 
 
 LIFE AND COltUKSPONDENCE 01' 
 
 I r 
 
 \\l 
 
 liouse at C^uernstown, wliere it rciiminrd until tlio 
 afternoon, unpcnieived (>y tlie enemy, llis provincial 
 uidc-(le-cainp, Liciit.-Colonel M'Doticii, ot* the mili- 
 tia, and the attorney-general of Upper Canada — a 
 fine promising young man — was mortally wounded 
 soon after his chief, and died the next day, at the 
 early age of twenty-five years. Although one bullet 
 had passed through his body, and he was wounded in 
 four places, yet he survived twenty hours ; and dur- 
 ing a period of excruciating airony, his thoughts and 
 words were constantly occupied with lamentations 
 for his deceased commander and friend. lie fell 
 while gallantly charging, "with the hereditary cou- 
 rage of his race," up the hill with UK) men, chiefly 
 of the York volunteers, by which charge the enemy 
 was compelled to spike the 18-pounder in the battery 
 there ; and his mcniory will be cherished as long as 
 courage and devotion are reverenced in the province. 
 The flank companies of the 4i)th having sutl'ered 
 severely, and both their captains being wounded, the 
 disputed ground was lost soon after the death of the 
 general, and the troops retreated in front of Vrornont's 
 battery, where they awaited the expected reinforce- 
 ments. The Americans remained in quiet possession 
 of the heights of Queenstown for some hours, during 
 which they were but partially reinforced, as their 
 militia, who a day or two before were so anxious to 
 invade Canada — having heard from the wounded 
 men sent back what they must expect if they came in 
 contact with the 49th, " the green tigers," as they 
 called them from their Qvcen facinjjjs — could not 
 now be induced, either by threat or entreaty, to cross 
 the river. Indeed, the flank companies of the 49th, 
 in the excitement arising from the loss of their late 
 beloved colonel, are said to have fought with such 
 animosity throughout the day, as to have fully sup- 
 ported this new title. In the meanwhile, Major- 
 General Sheaffe arrived from Fort George with 
 nearly 400 of the 41st regiiiient, under Captain 
 
 I i 
 
sin ISAA( BPOCK. 
 
 ',W\ 
 
 Porcnzy, from '2 to tUM) militia, and 'i^M) hwliaiii; 
 and — ufler boiti;^ joined Ity the rciniiant of llii' 4!)fli 
 flank compiinicH and tlio iiiililia, cngnf^fd in the 
 r»orninf(, and leavin;^ two ticld- jii( res with .*M> men 
 in front of (^necnstown, to |)rev«Mit its occupation by 
 the Americans — ho procoodod by a circuitous route 
 to tiie right, to gain the crest of the heights upon 
 vhich the tncniy was |H)stod, and thus took fhcni in 
 Hank. Here hv was reinforced hv the arrival of the 
 41st grenadiers and some militia from Chip|ia\\ah, 
 the whole of tiie British and Indian force tiius assem- 
 bled rather exceeding 1,(MX) men of all grades, of j 
 whom nearly (K'U were rcLTulars. In numl)ers the ; 
 Americans were about equal — courage they had, but 
 they wanted the coniidencc atid dis^i)diTui of British 
 soldiers. The undoiihted prowess of the latter needs 
 not to be raised at the expense of truth ; and in com- 
 mon justice it must also be adiled, that the enemy 
 had only one iield-piece, a <i-pounder, while General 
 Sheaffe in his dispatch, observed : " I am particu- 
 larly indebted t(» (7aptain Ilolcroft, ol" the royal artil- 
 lery, for his judi(ML>us and skilful co-operation with 
 the guns and hnwit/ers urjder his initnediatc superin- 
 tendence ; their well directed lire contributed mate- 
 rially to the fortunate result of the day.''* 
 
 The Indians, being more active tlian the white 
 troops in ascending the hill, first came, at about two 
 
 * in R brief record of sir Rogpr Slicafto's scrvicis, in Hart's Annual 
 Army List, it is stat^-d, 'iiat at Qurrristown tie Anu'rlcan Kfnrral -urren- 
 dered himself anil his surviving; troops, "tlii:ir minihorK far cxctx'ditiiJr 
 the assailants." We cannot vcronoilothi^statoinciit with that of '• Jami-s," 
 a vory ("orrect writer, or with Major-deneral Shcaftc's own dispatch, 
 dated Fort George, October i:t, Imt written (lelil)eriifel.v a day or two 
 afterwariN, as, after nientioiurt: that "many officers, witii goi) men, have 
 been made prisotiers," he a(ld> : " I ha.w not heen able to ascertain yet 
 the numherof our troops, or of those of the enemy engaged j onrs, I 
 believe, did not exeeed tin number of the prisoners we have taken." 
 Thus, a day or two after the battle, tJeneral Sheaffe fmlifi-d that his 
 troops enga|j;ei amounteil to nt Ifii.it g.ii) me.i, ineludinjr probably only 
 the rank ai'd file, and, if so, about 105i; ot all ranks. Anil, notwithstand- 
 ing, in till I'nitfd Sttvire (hizette of Xovembor 2:>, iH^.'i, it is asserted, 
 apparently on the authority of Sir H. Sheaft'e, that "the force under his 
 command amoni'ted, by offirinl returns, to 740 men, not on? half of whom 
 were regulars, and the prisoners captured to y')ii'" ' Jf tins assertion be 
 correct, which we rnucli doulit, e^ cry antnorit) that we have cunsulted, 
 uot excepting the above dispatch, is singularly at fault. 
 
 
;m 
 
 MFE AND COlinnSl'ONnENC E OP 
 
 if 
 
 i ■ 4 
 
 i1 'f 
 .1 .' 
 
 o'(.'lock ill tlio iiftornoon, in coiilurt with tlic enemy, 
 and Urovo Iiini bot'uri- llicni ; lint tliu Ainorirnns soon 
 rnllifd and r<'|)ul!<cd tlicir ussailunts, who fell back 
 npon tlio main body. The JJrilish, after a littlo 
 lirit)}!, and sottin'^ up a shout, wliich was acconipaniod 
 liy the war-whoop ot thi> Indians;, advani-ed at the 
 double (|Miek or running pace, wlion tlie enemy, 
 j)erceivin<i the lioj)elissne8s ol' resistance, Hed down 
 the bill after a very feeble contest.* The slaughter 
 was unliappily protracted, because the Indians could 
 not at lirst be restrained. The Americans, who at- 
 tempted to esca|)c into the woods, were (juickly driven 
 back by the Indians ; and many, cut otf in their 
 return to the main body, and terrified at the sight of 
 these exasperated warriors, flung themselves wildly 
 over the clilfs, and endeavoured to cling lo the bushes 
 which grew upon tbctu ; but some, losing their hold, 
 were dashed frightfully on the rocks beneath ; while 
 others, who reached the river, perished in their at- 
 lenij)ts to swim across it. Such, alas! are the dread- 
 ful horrors loo often arising from human warfare ! 
 A Hag of truce soon came from the American com- 
 mander, with the offer of an unconditional surrender; 
 and ]irigadier Wadsworth, and about O-jO othcers 
 and privates, were made prisoners. Of these a large 
 proportion were officers, there beitig, b}' an American 
 list before us, in wbicb the names and ranks are 
 given, T)! ofHccrs (exclusive of two sergeant-majors) 
 of the \cw York militia, and 20 only of the regulars ; 
 total, 71 officers. The death of the British general 
 is said to have cost the invaders many a life on that 
 day, which otherwise had been spared. Their loss 
 was iX) killed and about liK) wounded, wliile that of 
 the British and Indians was If) killed and ()i) wound- 
 ed. I Nearly, if not, the wliolc of these were killed 
 
 * " Tho Amcrioaiis sustr.inoil but a short cnniiict, cru tlu'y fled with 
 preripitatioii towards the puiut at whicli they had lirst landed." — Jariifs' 
 Militani Oci'un'enees. 
 
 t Major General Sheaife, in hi:* dispatch ot Uttli October, cnlopizes 
 Captains Dennis and Williams, of the 49th ; Captains Deren/.y and Uul- 
 
Stli IflAAT nnocK. 
 
 ;j;y> 
 
 rnciny, 
 aiis soon 
 
 ['(>ll lock 
 r a littln 
 )iii|)Uiiioil 
 ;J at the 
 rncniy, 
 lod down 
 slau'^litor 
 ans could 
 who al- 
 V driven 
 in their 
 ic ai'^hi of 
 '68 vvihlly 
 (he bushes 
 heir hold, 
 th ; while 
 
 1 their at- 
 the dread- 
 warfare ! 
 
 ■iean corn- 
 surrender; 
 30 otHeers 
 ese a larfijc 
 American 
 ranks are 
 int-niajors) 
 i rojiulars ; 
 ■sh gohcr.al 
 ife on that 
 Thoir loss 
 hile that of 
 ()5) wonnd- 
 vere killed 
 
 tlu'y fled with 
 detl." — Jamns' 
 
 ibcr, eulogizes 
 iiiizv aud Uul- 
 
 
 or wounded early in tin; niornin|r. The vietory, 
 thouf;h easily won, was ronijilctc ; hut ii was frii by 
 lh<^ cotuiuerors as a poor ((iniiK inafiiMi for tht- loss of 
 the JJrilish chieftain, thus |)rfMiutu/»'ly cut oil' in the 
 priilo of uunihowd and in the noon-tido of his career; 
 wliih^ the sorrow inanilested throuirhnut both pro- 
 vincrs proved that those; u ho rejoiced in tlu.' fuilurc 
 of this second inv.ision, would «;la(ll\ have forf^oru! 
 the triumph, if bv such means thev could havt; 
 reijained him who rendered the heights of (Queens- 
 town memorable by liis fall. 
 
 Joy'it hurstinfr Hhnut in whi'lminif Krit'f wrs drnwrK-d, 
 And Victciry's self unwilllnif midieni •» f'niml j 
 On c\ir\ liriiw tlie i-lond "i .-(adiK'ss hun(f.— 
 I'tio SDiiiida of ti'iiimiili died nu cvt-ry toutfiic ( 
 
 "The news <»f the death of this exe. Kent oiKcer," 
 obs(>rved the (,)u<'lVx^ (ia/etle, "has ixen recci' od 
 here as a public calamity. The attendant circum- 
 staiuH's of victory fcarci'lv cluu^ked the ])ainful ocn- 
 satiori. His lon<!; residence in this j)rovince, and 
 particularly in thi^ pl;ic(.', had niailo him in habits 
 and ;;ood ollices almost a citi/eu ; and his fiankru's.i, 
 conciliatory dispo itiou, and elevated demean' .«•. an 
 estimable one. The expressions of rei^ret as 'cen rnl 
 as ho was known, aud nut uttered by iViends and 
 acquaintance onl\, but by ev(!i*y gradation of class, 
 not only by ^rown persons, but young children, are 
 the test of his wortl). Such too is the only eulotjium 
 worthy of the good and brave, and the citi.:ens of 
 Qut'boo have, with solemn emotions, pronounced it 
 on his memory. But at this anxious moujcut other 
 
 locli, of Uie list; HrliTudt"- Major K\ans, Cidont'l ciaiis, Captain Vip:orcaii\, 
 R E , CiiiJlivins Powell and CHmeron, of tne inilitiii hrtillciv : Mcutonants 
 CrowtlitM- and b'owlrr. list regiment; (.''iptJ*"" (JletT^', uido-de-cainp ; 
 LifiiU'iian' Kfir, (ilniKHrv »\'!Hil)li s ; I. ii!iit.-r. '■,•>)' BiitU'r and Ourk, 
 aud Miuor .Moiritt, of tlir militia; and tapi. • il;,tt, Uuraiid, Kowi', 
 Apphi,'urtli, Jitnii.'s, e rooks, Cooiht, Kobcrt Hainilt n, M'Ewen, and 
 Dunran v.:anirvon ; and I.iiniti iiants Rictiardson and I'lioinas Hutler, 
 coniinandin)i^ tlatik coinpanifs of tin York ar..l Liiiroln militia; Captuia 
 A. Hamilton Vohintiurs Sliaw, Thdnisi . , and Jar» is, attarlied to the 
 flank cuuipauies ol the ^^tlt te^itueiit; a.'y\x Uie Indiau chief, Nurtou. 
 
a3(] 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 
 I : I ;■ 
 
 I l^^ i f 
 
 i < 
 
 a 
 
 (I 
 
 fcelinfjs are excited bv his lo?s. General Brock liad 
 ac(juircd the contidence of tlie inhabitants within his 
 government. He had secured their attachment per- 
 manently by liis own merits. Thev were one people 
 animated by one disposition, and this he had gradual- 
 ly wound up to the crisis in which they were ))lacrd. 
 Strange fis it may seem, it is to be feared that he had 
 become too important to them. The heroic militia 
 of ITpper Canada, more particularly, had knit them- 
 selves to his person ; and it is yet to be ascertained 
 Avhether the desire to avenge his death can compensate 
 the many embarassments it will occasion. It is in- 
 deed true tliat the Kj>irit, and even the abilities;, of a 
 disiinfruished man oiien carry tlieir influence beyond 
 the grave ; and the present event furnishes its own 
 example, for it is certain, notwithstanding (ireneral 
 Bruck was cut off early in the action, that he had 
 already given an impulse to his little army, which 
 contributed to a<?coinplish the victory when he was 
 no more. Let us rrnst that the recollection of him 
 will b(!come a new bond of union, and that, as he 
 faerificed himself for a conmiunity of patriots, they 
 will find a new motive to exertion in the obligation 
 to secure his ashes from tlie pestilential dominion of 
 the enoniy." 
 
 A Montreal newspaper of the day also contained 
 the following observations : "The private letters from 
 Upper (.'anada, in givirig the account of the late 
 victory at Queenstown, arc partly taken up with en- 
 comiastic lamentations upon tht^ never-to-' e-forgotteii 
 General JJrock, which do honor to the character and 
 talents of the rum they deplore. The enemy have 
 nothing to hope from the loss they have inflicted; 
 th(?y have created a liatred which panteth for revenge. 
 Although (ieneral lirock may bo said to have fallen 
 in the midst of his career, yet his previous services in 
 Upper ('annda will bo lasting and highly beneficial. 
 When he assumed the government of the province, 
 
 . I 
 
SIR ISAAC nnOCK. 
 
 337 
 
 he found a divided, disafFocted, and, of course, a 
 wcfik pooj)lo. He has ]rSt them united and strnnnr, 
 and the niiivorsul sorrow of the province attends his 
 fall. Tlie father, to his chiUlreii, will make known 
 the mournful stor\ . The veteran, who I'outiht hv his 
 side in the heat and burthen of the day of our deli- 
 verance, will venerate his name."* 
 
 Tn hid dijjpateli to Sir (rcorrje Prevost, dated Fort 
 George, ()(;toher 13, Major-Gene.'al Sheatie said : 
 ''On receiving intellioence of it, (the attack on 
 Qiieenst«nvn, ) Major- CJeneral Brock immediately 
 proceeded to llial, post; and, I am (^Kcessively grieved 
 in having to add, that, he fell whilst gallantly cheer- 
 ing hi" trooj)S to an exertion tor maintaining it. 
 With him the position svas lost .... Our loss 1 
 believe to liave been comparatively small in mnnbers: 
 no ofticcr was kille<l hi^idc" Major-dreneral Brock, 
 one of the most gallant aiid zeiilous officers in his 
 majesty's service, whose loss cannot be too much 
 deplored, and Lieut.-(..!olonel M'Donell, J)ro^incial 
 aide-de-camp, whose gallantrv and merit render iiim 
 worthy of bis chiel'.'' f And Sir (ieorge Prevost, in 
 transmittijig tliis letter, observed : " His majesty ard 
 the country have to deplore the loss of an able and 
 most gallant officer in Major-Cjeneral Brock, who 
 fell early in the battle, at the head of tin.' flank com- 
 panies of tbe 4()th regiment, whilst nobly encouraging 
 them to sustain their pctsition m opposition to an infi- 
 nitely superior force, until the reinforcements he had 
 ordered to advance to their support would arrive." 
 The remarks of both iiPuerals strike us as somewhat 
 tame and hackneyed ; ; but it is not every jVelson 
 
 ■* " Uoath and Viotor> : " a sermon undor this title was iirenebed hy tlie 
 Rev, VNilliam Smait, at liroci<vHle, Kli/.al)eTlito\vii, Noviniher l.i, on the 
 death of Majdrtii'iicriil l',riK-k, JUid imiMisIioiI at tlie rtiiuo.-it (it tlie officers 
 statiomd at that |)o-t, and «>f thoirenlU'riifn of the vil; igc. Tin: text was; 
 " How are the mighty fallen in the midst of tlie t)altle " 
 
 1- J.ient. Colonel Aj'tloncll died on the I Uli of Octoticr. 
 
 t BrigaanT Townshend, who, in eonsei|inn( e of the death of Wolfe and 
 the wuunds ol Hrigadii r Moncktou, wrote the dispatcli announciuK the 
 
 Ci 
 
 ■'i i 
 
338 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OP 
 
 i I 
 
 whose (loath in battle is recorded by a Collingwood, 
 and the pcntiinents of the Uritisli tcovernrnent on the 
 melancholy occasion were far more appropriately and 
 elegantly expressed in a dispatch from Earl Bathnrst, 
 the secretary of state for the colonies, to Sir Gcorfre 
 Prevost, dated December 8, 1812 : *' His royal liigli- 
 ness the prince regent is tnlly aware of the severe loss 
 which his majesty's service has experienced in the 
 death of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock. This would 
 have been sufficient to have clouded a victory of 
 much greater importance. His majesty has lost in 
 him not onl}' an able and meritorious ofiicer, but one 
 who, in the exercise of his functions of provisional 
 lieutenant-governor of the province, displayed quali- 
 ties'admirably adapted to awe the disloyal, to recon- 
 cile the wavering, and to animate the great mass of 
 the inhabitants against successive attempts of the 
 enemy to invade the province, in the last of which he 
 unhappily fell, too prodigal of that life of which his 
 eminent services had taught us to understand the 
 value." * 
 
 His lordship added : " His royal highness has 
 been also pleased to ex])ress his regret at the loss 
 w^hich the province must experience in the death of 
 the attorney-general, Mr. M'Donell, whose zealous 
 co-operation with Sir Isaac Brock will reflect lasting 
 honor on his memory. ' 
 
 The Montreal Herald of April 29, 1815, blames 
 Sir George Prevost for having suppressed all but she 
 
 I ;;: . 
 
 vioton near Qoebei", KUh September, 1751), has been justly accused of au 
 unM:en^•rou^ iiKliffercnce to the memory of tin* preat nmn wlu) led him to 
 victoiy, because in that dispatcti, ilated 20th !Septemb«:r, or a week alti»r 
 ttic- victory, the (.inl> mention he madr of th(.' hero was the folluwmK 
 " Our troops re-erved their fire till wilhin fifty yards, which was then so 
 well contijMivd, that the enemy every where pave way. It was then thrit 
 our itinstiious general feil at the hcAtl oi i!ratj;ge"s and the Louisburg 
 jfrenadicrs, ndvnncin(,f with their luiyonets ; and abom the same tune 
 lirigadier-Geucral Munekton receiv ed his wound at the he;iu of Laocellts." 
 
 * TliP prince regent atterwards Cjt-orfre the Fourth, told the late John 
 Julius Antrir^tein, Ks'|., who was a frietul of one of Sir Is.iac Crock's 
 brothers, that if Mie general had surv-ved the battle of Ciueen^tnwn, his 
 royal liigrhness N\ ild have made him a baronet, arid conivr.-ad upon him 
 a pcubiuu oi, vm tliiuk, jLl,20oai year. 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 039 
 
 ;' 
 
 first sentence of Loril Ratlmrst's letter relating to Sir 
 Isaac Brock, whicli sentence only was f^iven in his 
 ijenoral order to the army of lOtli March, 1813, 
 '* because the sentiments expressed by the prince are 
 those of the loyal people of Upper Canada, who 
 would be glad to have seen them soon after the offi- 
 cial letter arrived in Canada." A.nd *' considering 
 the cliaracter of the distinguished chief who fell on 
 the British side at the Qiieenstown battle," * we 
 certainly do think that this very handsome acknow- 
 ledgment of his services and eloquent tribute to his 
 memory should, even as a matter of policy, have been 
 immediately published without mutilation. 
 
 The Canadian boat songs are well known for their 
 plaintive and sootliing elfect, and a very beautiful 
 one was composed on the death of Major-General 
 Brock. The writer of this memoir, while sailing one 
 evening in the straits of Canso, in British North 
 America — the beautiful and picturesque scenery of 
 which greatly increased the effect of the words — 
 remembers to have heard it sung by a Canadian boat- 
 man, and ho then thought that he hail never listened 
 to vocal sounds more truiv descriptive of melancliolv 
 and reiiret. Even the vourig in Canada invoked the 
 Muse in expression of their sympathy, and the fol- 
 lowing lines were indited by Miss Ann Bruycres, 
 described as "an extraordinary child of thirteen 
 years old," the daughter of the general's friend, 
 liieut.-Coloncl BruyercSj of the Royal Engmeers, 
 who died not long after him in consequence of disease 
 contracted in the field : 
 
 As K»mp -ilifrJitcd on the mountain's + crest, 
 Slic loiully blew Ijer ifumjit't's iniitlity blast } 
 Ere slic rciu-titeii Victory's luitos, --lie ( ast 
 A look around, and stopped : of power bereft. 
 Her bosom heaved, her brei th alie drew with pain, 
 Her favoritt lliioi k lay sUiiiKhtered on tlie plain ' 
 Glory threw i>n his Krave it huirel wreath, 
 And Fame proclaims " a hero sleeps beneath." 
 
 * James' Military t)ornrrence?. 
 
 t The raountaiu above Quccustown, where Major-General Brock u-as 
 Blaiu. 
 
340 
 
 LlFi: AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 i ^ i 
 
 ; it 
 
 ; .( It 
 
 1> I 
 
 i ' ^ 
 
 As if to complete the iIouMe allusion to Fame in 
 the precedinj^ lines, singularly enough the mournful 
 intelligence of Sir Isaac Brock's death was brought 
 from Quebec to Guernsey by the ship Fame, belong- 
 ing: to tliat island, on Tuesday, the 24th November, 
 two days before it was known in London. 
 
 Sir Isaac Brock, after lying in state at the govern- 
 ment Ijoiise, where his body was bedewed, with the 
 tears of many atlectiouate friends, was interred on the 
 IGth of October, Avith his provincial aide-de-camp, at 
 Fort George.""*' Jlis surviving aide-de-camp, .Alajor 
 Glegg, recollecting the decided aversion of the gene- 
 ral to every tbing !.liat bore tlie appearance of osten- 
 tatious display, endeavoured to clothe the distressing 
 ceremony willj all his "native simplicity." But at 
 the same time there were military honors that could 
 not be witblield, and the tbllowiiig was the order of 
 the mournful procession, " of wliicli," wrote Major 
 Glegg, " 1 enclose a plan ; but no pen can describe 
 the real sctiies of tliat mournful day. A more solemn 
 and atiecting spectacle was ])erhn|)s ncA'cir Avitnossed. 
 As every arraiigement connecti;d with that afilici.ing 
 cererr-^ny fell to my lot, a second attack being hourly 
 expected, and the minds of all being fully occupied 
 with tbe duties of tlieir resf)ecti\e stations, I anxiously 
 endeavoiired to [ erform tliis last tribute of aft'ection 
 in a manner corresponding with the elevated virtues 
 of my deparled patron. Conceiving that an inter- 
 ment in every respect military would be the most 
 appropriate to tbe character of our dear friend, T 
 made clioice of a cavalier bi)stiou in Fort (jeorge, 
 which his asj)iring genius bad lately suggested, and 
 which had been just tinishcd under his daily super- 
 intendence." 
 
 * The survivors of the flank (jmupariies of the 4!)tli were marched from 
 Qneeiisiuwi\ to lio prcsftit ur thi funeral, and they were --fVi.TaUy admitted 
 to new the eortiu, which coiituiucd tlio remain:-! nf tlioirlatc beloved 
 eommauder . 
 
SIR ISAAC DROCK. 
 
 341 
 
 :;ro marched from 
 MVinvlly adinittfil 
 tlioirlatc beloved 
 
 Fort Mnjor Camnbell. 
 Sixty Men of the list K<'ii;in\t iit, cuminandod by n Suhnltcrn. 
 Sixty of tlu' Militia, ciiiimmiuU'd liy a Cuiitaiii. 
 Two Six IViuiiilcts - (\r\UK mimitf jjiiii-i. 
 RcmalninK Corps and Detac liiiu iits o| the dairison, with about 200 In- 
 dians, in rcv(>r-.f(l ordiT, forming a sticct tlir<m>rli wliicb t'lo procession 
 piUiSt'd, extending from tin- tjovernmtMit Iioh-ju to tin- f;arrisun. 
 Hand of liie list Ri-jfiinciit. 
 Drums, covered witli t)lack cloth, and muffled. 
 Kate General's Horsf, fully caparisonid, led by four lirooras. 
 St rvaiit.s of the di'iioral. 
 I'bt fieiioral's Hotly St-rvant. 
 Surgfeon Mniiljcad. Doctor Kerr. 
 
 Doctor Moort'. stutf Surgeon Thorn. 
 
 Reverend Mr. Adilir-on. 
 
 [Thf Body of Lieut.-( i,lonfl M'Donel', F.A.D.C.) 
 
 Capt. A. Cameron 
 
 1-icut. J. U. Robinson, 1 
 
 J. Edwards, Ksti. 
 
 Supporter, 
 Mr. fJickst)!), 
 
 Chief Mourner, 
 Mr. M-Uoncll. 
 
 I.ient. Jarvis.* 
 
 Lieut. Ridout. 
 
 Capt. Crooks. 
 
 Supporter, 
 Captain Canuron 
 
 (The Bmlij of Major- Oeneral Brock.) 
 
 Supporter, Supporter, 
 
 James Coffin, Em(-. t) A. C. G. ■■■ Captain Williams, ffjth Rcgt. 
 
 Capt. Vigoreaux, R. E. 
 Capt. Derenzy, 4 1st Regt 
 Capt. Dennis, 4{)th Regi 
 Capt. Holcroft, K. A. 
 
 Supporter, 
 Brigade-Major Evans. 
 
 Major Merritt, L. H. Lin. Mil. 
 Lieut.-Col. Clark, Liu. Mil 
 l,ieut.-Col. HutU:r. 
 Colonel Claus. 
 
 Supporter, 
 Captain Glcgg, A D. C. 
 
 Major-Gei:t>ral Shtalfe. 
 Ensign Coffin, A \) C. 
 
 Chief M;>urnerK 
 
 Lieut. -Colonel Mvors. D. Q. M. G. 
 Lieut. I'owler, A D. Q. M. G. 
 Tilt', Civil Staff. 
 Frien(l^ of the Dccea.sed. 
 inhabitants.: 
 
 * Lieuttmant afterwards Colonel; Jarvia of the militia, accompauicd 
 Major- General Hroik to .\nilu>rstburg, and IVmght bravely at Qui-cuhtown. 
 
 + Lit'Uteiiai\t RobiuMin also mt lunpanied the ifcueral to Amhersthurg, 
 and fought tridlantly at Uuct;n&town ; be is now the emiuL-ut cliict justice 
 of Cppcr Caiiatla. 
 
 t Extracted from the ^ urk Gazette, October 24, 1812. 
 
n42 
 
 LIFE AND COnnESPONDENCE OF 
 
 Such was tlie esteem iti which Sir Isnnc JJrock was 
 hold hv tlic enemies of his countrv. Jor he liud or 
 could have no personal enemies, tliat Major-Geueral 
 V an Rensselaer, in o lei tor of condolence, informed 
 Major-Genoral Shcatl'e that ininiediatol)' after the 
 funeral solemnities* were over on the British side, a 
 compliment of minute j^uns would be paid to the 
 hero's memory on theirs ! ! ! Accordingly, the cannon 
 at Fort Niat^ara were fired, "as a mark of respect 
 due to a hrave enemy." t How much is it thf n to 
 be ret(relt(d that \\c 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 tlicy undoubtedly are a gallant, people ; and may 
 the future rivalry of Itoth powers be, not for the un- 
 natural destruction of each other, but for the benefit 
 of mankind. No words can bettor express tbe favor- 
 able opinion entertained by tlie Americiuis of the de- 
 ceased than ihe language of their president, Madison, 
 Avho, 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 bo the more 
 felt, as it includes amongst the killed the commanding 
 general, who uas aho the governor of the province." 
 
 * Extrnct from Jl. G. O. fur thf Fimrrnl. 
 
 T\\v cifticors will wcnr cni))!-' )ii tluMf left arii>> and on thoir sword knots, 
 and (ill <ittic(Ts will, tliioii^lidut the province, wear crape on their left 
 arm for the spin c ot uni' inontli. 
 
 Captain lt(iler'ift will In- iilcnsed to direct that rnintito guns he fired 
 frnni the iieriod of tli<- Ixuliivs K-avinj; g'overnnipn! house until their 
 arrival at the rlai'c i.t interment : .iml aNo, after the funeral setvice shaU 
 have been peit'onui d, lluec r'uuuJn i-J seven guns frum the artdlery. 
 
 U> order Tuo« >s Evans, B.M. 
 
 + " I well reinemher tlio tribute of respert p.iid by the enemy, atid the 
 melancholy satistaetion n aft"orded tn tlurNe who were so bitterly lanu>ntin^ 
 their irreparable loss, (ieneral Hmek was not only admired and rcspeeted 
 by tin Ainerieati people ; but he was in truth very kindly regarded by 
 them. In his arrani!;eiiit iit< i'oiisc(|ucnt un the capture of For* Detroit, 
 they had an opi'tutuiiity .if observing tliat honest trankness, and warnfj 
 benevolence of iieart, whieb eharaeterizi'd him fleshowed the fjreatcst 
 liberality and most induljrciit eonsideration in dealintr with and diRposing 
 of till- various deseriptions of force wliich siirrendereit 'o him on that 
 oe( afi'iii, J iiclii've no man ever heard either friend or foe speak unkindly 
 of (jciieral Broek."— f Vne/ Jiuitki.' HuhiuMm. 
 
SIR ISAAC MHOrK. 
 
 ju;) 
 
 Ere wo proceed to delineate the person and cha- 
 racter of ihis able soldier and excellent man, we shall 
 tran8crii)e the sketches of two strangers, * lest the 
 portrait of a relative should he dciined too hif]jhly 
 coloured, That portrait lias b^cn drawn by them 
 with a master hand, especially the first ; and although 
 feelingly alive to our incompetency for the task, we 
 also must endeav<)ur, with a trembling pen, to do 
 justice to the memory of the hero. 
 
 "Thus cnd(>d 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 <)() wounded. The fall of General 
 Brock, the idol of the array 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 (iuernsey, of an ancient and reputable 
 family, distinguished in the protoseion of arms. He 
 Iiad served for many vears in Canada, and in some of 
 the ])rincipa' ampaigns in liiiirope. He commanded 
 a detachmr of his favorite 49th regiment, on the 
 expedition ! Copenlmgen with Lord Nelson, where 
 he distingulf ''d himself. He was one of those extra- 
 ordinary men who seem born to iritiuence mankind, 
 and mark the aire in which thev live. Conscious of 
 tl..? ascendanc\ of his fjenius over those who sur- 
 rounded him, he blended the mildest of manners with 
 the severity .md dis(upline of a camp ; and tiiough 
 his deporiment 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 jterson. As a soldier, he was brave to 
 a, fault, and not less judicious than decisive in his 
 measures. The enerfjv of his character was stronjjlv 
 expressed m Ins countenance, and in the robust and 
 
 * For brief cxtrncts relative to Sir Isaac Brock from other authors, ace 
 AppeudLx A, Section l , No. 7. 
 
:J44 
 
 MFK VNI) CORUKSPONDE.NCE OF 
 
 I 1 
 
 \ 'I ' 
 
 manly syinniotry of his frame. As u civil governor, 
 he was firm, priidfMit, und (njuitabii'. In tine, whcliier 
 we view him as a man, a statesman, or a soldier, ho 
 equally descrvosi the esteem and re«;|tect of his eon- 
 fenijioraries and of postrrity The Indians who 
 flocked to lii-t standard were attached to hink with 
 almost enthusiastic aflection. and tlie enemy even 
 expressed an involuntnry rei^ret at Ijis untimely fall. 
 Mis p rod i finality of life bereft the conntry of his servi- 
 ces at iIk' earlv n\ic of fort\-t\vi.i A'ears. The remains 
 of this f^allant oflieer were, during the funeral service, 
 honored with a disehari^e of minute yuns from the 
 American, as well as l!ic British, batteries ; and with 
 tho>e of his faithful iii(le-de-eamj>, Lieut. -Colonel 
 M'Donell, \U're interred in the same irravc at J'ort 
 CJeor^e, on tlic Kith ( k-toher, amidst the tears of an 
 affectionate soldiery and a frrateful pt-ople, who will 
 cherish his nu'niory with vtiieralion, and hand to 
 tlieir posterity the imperishable name ot iUtOCIv.'' 
 
 "General IJjock was killed at the battle of (^neens- 
 town Juiglits," observes Tlowison in his Sketdies of 
 rjpper Canada, "and the jjlace where he fell was 
 pointed out to mo. 'I'he Canadians liold the memory 
 of this brave and e\cell(;ni man in great veneration, 
 but hiiv(! not yet atlenipted to testify their respect for 
 his MrtiK's in any way, except by shewinijjto strangers 
 the spot on whicth he received his mortal wonnd. He 
 was more prjpnlar, and more )>e!oved by the irdiabi- 
 tants of CpjK 1 Canada, than any man they ever had 
 among them, and wiili reason ; for he possessed in 
 an eminent degree those virtues whiclj ruld l.istre 
 to braverv, and those talents that shine alike in the 
 cabinet and ifi the field. Jlis manneis and disposi- 
 tions \\(.'re so conciliating a? to uain the alllL-ction of 
 all whom he commanded, while his innate nobleness 
 and dignity ot mind secuired him a respect almost 
 aiTH)unting to venerati«>n. Tie is now styled the Hero 
 of l'j)j)er Canada, mid, had he lived, there is no 
 
8IH ISAAC ilROCK. 
 
 'M!i 
 
 doubt but the wrir vould liavc terrninatod very dlll'er- 
 entlv fVom whai it diil. Tbo Cu'iadiun fanners are 
 not ovcr-burtbened witli sensibility, yet 1 liavc seen 
 several of tbeni shed tears when an eulo<^riiiin was 
 pronounced upon the immortal and gcnerous-niinded 
 deliverer of tlieir country. 
 
 '* General Urocl; was killed close to (bo road that 
 leadn through (^ueenstuwn village, and an aged thorn 
 bush now niarks the place where ho fell, when the 
 fatal ball entered his vitals. This f.j)ot may be called 
 classic ground, for a view of it nm^t awaken in the 
 minds of all those who <luly apju'eciute the greatness 
 of his charactiT, and are !ie(|uainted with the nature 
 of his resources and exertions, feelings as warm and 
 enthusiastic as the contemplation of monuments con- 
 secrated by antiquity can ever do." 
 
 Nature had been very bountiful to Sir Isaac Brock 
 in those personal glits which ajipear to such |)eculiar 
 advantatro in tho army, and at the first glance the 
 soldier and the gentleman wer( seen. In stature he 
 was lull,' erect, atbletic, and well j>roj)ortioned, al- 
 though in his latter years liis figure was perhaps too 
 portly ; and when a young nuiii, at the head of his 
 com|»any of grenadiers, he attracted general observa- 
 tion by his martial })resenee. Jlis Hnc \\m\ benevolent 
 countenance was a j)erfect index of his mind, and his 
 mam ^rs were courteous, frank, and engaging, al- 
 though both denoted a fixedness of purpose which 
 could not be mistaken. In society ho Avas a modest 
 nan, greatly disliking parade or ostentation, and one 
 V, ho knew him well never remembers him to have 
 made an illnatured remark. Brave, liberal, and 
 humane ; devoted to his sovereign, and loving his 
 country with romantic fondness ; in command so 
 gentle and peisuasivc, yet so firra, that he possessed 
 the rare faculty of acquiring both the respect and the 
 attachment of all who served under him. When, in 
 
 * In height about, or utarly, six feet two iuchcs. 
 
J}4(> 
 
 LIFE AND COUHESrONDENOE OF 
 
 P 
 
 ' : .' 
 
 I 
 
 July, I'Oi), he resigned tlie chnrejc of tlm troops in 
 < Quebec to Colonel Howes, it was remarked how 
 iiiuoh the discipline of liie {jjarrison had in^proved 
 under his (!Oiuniand. IJad his talents been exerted 
 on a Euri)()ean field, there is every reason to suppose 
 that his sjdiere of fame, if not of usefulness, would 
 have been greatly extended ; hut as his memory is 
 Marmly cherished by the people among whom ho 
 fell, his liite, premature as it was, is still enviable, 
 notwithstanding tliat their applause fell on *' the dull, 
 cold ear of death." If his anxiety ever to shew a 
 good example by being foremost in danger, induced 
 liini to expose himself more than strict prudence or 
 punctilio warranted, it must be remembered that 
 every thing depended on that example, as he had 
 scarcely a staff oflieer of trust and experience with 
 him, enterprising oHiccrs of that day striving to serve 
 in the Peninsula — that of his two regular regiments, 
 the 41st was then with few exceptions badly officered, 
 and the 49th had five captains in England — and that 
 the militia required to be led and animated. But even 
 if he erred on this point, his error was that of a 
 soldier.* Elevated to the govpinment of Upper 
 Canada, lie reoluimed many of the disaffected by 
 mildness, and fixed the wavering by the argument 
 of success ; aiid having no national partialities to 
 gratify, that rock on which so niany provincial go- 
 vernors have split, he meted equal favor and justice 
 to all. British born subjects soon felt convinced 
 thai 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 
 
 * A\nicn Kclaon — althouich a rear admiral and a knight of the Bath, 
 and he had so distiiitcuished hiinsdl at the battle of St. Vinci'nt — with liis 
 biir(jL''s crew of eUn .-n men, exclusive of t attain Freniaritle and himself, 
 tMii^aged a Spanish armed launch, cairyin(r an otticor and twentj-six 
 men, near Cadiz, in I7y7,atid captured her alter a desperate hand to liand 
 fight with swords, in which eighteen of the Sjianiards werv killed, ami all 
 tiie rest wou«v .(!, he might equally have been charged with rashness, 
 had he failed or luilcu. 
 
sill ISAAC liROi K. 
 
 347 
 
 unexampled, nnd Avhicli ho judiciously rxf^rcisod fur 
 jiiirposiN (joi.ilucivc * fninlly to the criusi' of liimmuity 
 and to the interest., of lii> country. lie ctiiiiiLTed 
 tlifiii to throw aside the scalpini^ knife, im|«l.'int<Hl in 
 their hreasts the virtues of clorntincy and forbcjirance, 
 and tau^dit them to feel plea>;iire and |)rido in the 
 compassion extendctl to a vanqui>he<l iiicmy. In 
 return tliey revertMl him as their ('Diumon father, and 
 while under his coriiiuaiid wore truiltN of no excesses.* 
 Indeed his letters jdievv how warmly ho espoused 
 their cause and how deejiU lie comniiserated their 
 wronijs and niisf^rtuiK's, will knowing that in their 
 natural slate they possess many .^f the vii tiu's, with 
 few of the vices, ot civilization, t He felf for them 
 OS if they were human hi'innrs entitled lo all the rights 
 and immunities ol" an ahoritfinal race, and he thou^-ht 
 it not meet that they should he exterminated hecause 
 "the scoundrel white man" chose lirst to deprive 
 them of their lands, and next warred upon them to 
 
 fiunish outratjes which his own perfidy and cupidity 
 lad ]»rovoked. And fc-r no official act ot Sir Isaac 
 Brock do we hoiH^i him more than for his earnest 
 representation of the expediency of including the In- 
 dians as allies, yea, as allies in the nei^otiatiuns for 
 f)eace, tiial they mi^ht not be *' exposed to the unre- 
 entin«j: furv of thoir enemies." It is well known that 
 this untutored people, the children of tlic forests, 
 value personal much more hij^hly than inental (juali- 
 ties, but the union of Ijoth in their leader was liappily 
 calculal'Hl lo impress their hau|^lity and masculine 
 minds with respect and admiration •, and the spet;cli 
 delivered by Tecuinseii, after the surrender of Ue- 
 
 * For L-ouiicil of oomlolt'iice, see Atipomlix A, Section ) No. 8. 
 
 + "I fcnrlcssly ai^sert to tht world, and I ilefy cf'ntri4ili(H»An, that the 
 North AiiarirHn liuliau is tverv svliert-. in Ins imtive -tai*'. a hitchly moral 
 and iiit:clleot\iHl bfintj, endowctl Uy his Maker with an iiitui^:ivt! loiowk-ij^e 
 of sfjiiie xrcat Author of hi» bt'iiiic. and thi- t'nivcn^' i iii dtcad of whose 
 displi"a.siir< ho cuiistantly lives, with tlu .tpi)rchc'iision before him of a 
 future titalc, where he expects to he rewaided <)r puninhtd accurdinp to 
 the nierits he h«- (f;»ined or forfeited In this world.'' — Cathn'f North 
 ■iintrwan Iin'iuim, third edition. Ixiudon, 18<2. 
 
;J4H 
 
 I. IFF ANP ('ORR!>f»«>> DKNTK 01' 
 
 i ' 
 
 troil, is illiistrative of tlw siMitiiiirnts uith v»}j!' "h h^ 
 lind iiispiri'd ihvHc ujirlik«- tribe-. *' I liuvi' 1 .t<t»" 
 ol»s('rv».'(i tliut iiliief to liiin, '* iiukIi (»f" } our t.'.,jic, 
 and aiu happy ugain to !!>)iaku )>y the liaiid a brave 
 brotluir \vnrrior. The Anwrioans endeavour to pjive 
 us ji mcjin oj>iMii»ii of British trcuerals, but we liave 
 been the Miinesses of your vaN>ur. In ciotisinti tlic 
 river lo altaek the eneniv, we ob.«.(r\ed voii from a 
 (listaritM -tanding the whole lime in an erect poi^lurc, 
 and, when tht: bi>at» reached thr .-horc, y<"i were 
 anions ilio first u|io jninpeil on land. Your bold 
 and Mublen niovoniefit^ tVisihtfued the enemy, and 
 }ou couipellod him to burrender to half their own 
 lorce. 
 
 Of all the ^jooil qnaiities whieh adorned this ac- 
 eonjpIi.«hed solilier none vas more proiniiMMit than 
 lii^ deoi-ion, and it was;! ev«?r Hfider the {guidance of 
 a somikI jadL^nient. His slront;' attachment to the 
 service, and j»ariienlnrly to Ins retjjin»ent, f(»rmed 
 amnher distinguishing fcatnre in his eharacter. Hav- 
 ing, wliile in command at Fort (rcorge, received a 
 Ittter annonneinu the e.xecution oi' the inntiTjeers 
 and <h.'-;erters at t^hn-bec, as related in tlie second 
 chapter — the last act of that mournful tra<;edv — he 
 ordered every man under arms tiiat he might read to 
 them the confents of the letter. Ilavinu' done so 
 with visible emotion, lie j^mceeded to address the 
 iiieii, and said : " Since 1 have had the honor to 
 wear iho Ilritish uniform, I have never felt grief like 
 this, as it pains me to the h<;art to think that any 
 members of my regiment should have engaged in a 
 conspira<y uhicli has led to their bcung shot like so 
 many dogs ! ' Here he, who a few months before 
 liad secured the ringleaders with such singular cool- 
 ness and decision, was so affected as to be utterly 
 unable to continue ; Iml the involuntary pause had 
 luore ellect than the most persuasive clociuencc, as 
 the soldiers, who beheld the glistening tear and heard 
 the faltering voice of their colonel, were equally moved 
 
diit I8AA<. nuo< K. 
 
 34$) 
 
 \<y tlii* toiirliini^ pcrno, so tliat, n? our inr<»rniant, 
 wlio wa« j)r('-.(.iif, assiin-s ih, tli.rc was not a «lry tve 
 aiuoiif; fliein .'ill. Iixlccd, iluro wus ji correspuiidoiiro 
 of regard hflNveoti iiiiii atid liis oHiriTs, find even tlio 
 non-cuiniuissionod orticiTs and privates, that, with 
 tiiis solitary exception, jirodnnd tin* pioinn* of a 
 happy faniil\. Tliose e\tr(>inifie!* nf puni«i|inicnt, 
 wliiidi llic exuciioris of tli?icipIi/io vvill .-oinctinHs oc- 
 casion, rjtrilv roiiched his iiumi. And vol shortly 
 
 • • • 
 
 before ho siiocetdcd to tho coniinund of the refjinient, 
 it was in a sad state of disor!:i:'»ni/ation, from the 
 ranses already explained. ( Pa^a- (I.) ])nrin^r the 
 mutiny on board ilie lieet at the Nore, in Ma\, 17!>7, 
 the 4Ulh Avas (juartered on the borders of the river 
 Thames; atid us the privates evidently sytnpathizetl 
 Milh the seamen, Major IJrotk not only >(,ldorn \vent 
 to Ix'd till nearly da\ li«:lit, but blept widi j(»ailed 
 pistols, wiiile during tlie day he fr('(|iiently visited 
 the mess-rooms, to tear down or erase siieh inscrip- 
 tions as "The .Vavy for Kver." Hut soon after he 
 became the iieiitenaiit-colontd, by hapj)Ily blending 
 conciliation with Hrniniss, and briii'^in^; to a court 
 martial one or two othe-M-s, whose misconduct could 
 not be overlooked, In: fjui<:kly restored t'je discipline 
 of the forps. Havinii' eticeted this, he afterwards 
 tjoverned it by that sentiment of esteem which he 
 hinisell" had created, and the cojisolaliori was j^iven 
 him to terminate a brief but brilliant ccuirso in tho 
 midst of liis professional faniily. A part of the refji- 
 ment assisted at his last obsequies ; and those wJio 
 knew the comtuander and his men m ill be eonvmced, 
 tliat on the day of his funeral there was an entire 
 detachment in tears.* 
 
 It deserves to be recorded as an instance of pood 
 fortune, unprecedented pcrliaps in nulitary annals, 
 
 * Tlie officers of (lie i9tti, ttftor his doath, instnicteil the rejjiniental 
 apoiit id London to procure tlien; a li';eiit«s of Sir l>-aac Brci* k, tliaf it 
 riii;tit tie plared ni thoir nifssro. >in, !,•. allotted a liandsoiiii; sum tor this 
 purpose. Tho ai?enl: a|>)i!ied to the ficnly lor a copy, but unfortunately 
 they possessed uo good likeness of the general. 
 
3ij() 
 
 MFE AND CORKESPONDENCE OF 
 
 ■ r, 
 
 anil especially in a countn'- wlierc the advantano and 
 facility of escape were so great, tliiit from the ()tli of 
 August, tlie dny on wlilch Major-General J'.roek left 
 Yorlv for Detroit, to the pcrioil immediately )>roce(l- 
 iri|^ the l)at(lo of (^ucenstowii, the force under his 
 j)ersonal command snfVered nodindnution in its num- 
 herseith(!r h} desertion, natural death, or the sword.* 
 This comprehended a period of nearly ten weeks, 
 diiriiifj which an army ami fortress were raptured, and 
 a journey af several hiuulrcd ndles, by land and water, 
 accomplished with extreme raj)idity. 
 
 In compiliii;::^ this memoir, wi; have been much 
 struck with the swiftness of Major-General Brock's 
 r.iovcments : he apj)ears to have been everywhere, 
 and, as Veritas observed of him, to have " tlown, as 
 it were.'' To-day at York, en^aned in his civil and 
 military duties — to-morrow at Fort (ieorj^e, super- 
 intendinu,' the dclences of the Nia'^ara frontier, or at 
 Kiny^stori, reviewinr^ and animatiu"^ the itnlitia. To- 
 day at Fort (reor£j;e, watch iuf^ the enemy — the next 
 at York, dissolving the legislature — and a fortnight 
 after, on his return from tlui capture of Detroit! 
 To-day at Fort (ieorge again — a lew hours after at 
 Fort Erie, endeavouring to retake the brigs Detroit 
 and Caledonia. And yet this most active and ener- 
 getic oiiicer was compelled, by his defensive instruc- 
 tions, tamely to look on the ojf'enxivf preparations of 
 the Americans for the invasion of the province com- 
 mitted to his charge ! 
 
 In conclusion, it is due to the memory of this ex- 
 cellent man to declare that, eminent and undisputed 
 as were his juiblic virtues, he was no less ejitimable in 
 private Tde. At the time of his death, a youth of 
 about nine years of age had been residing under his 
 roof and protection for nearly two years, it being the 
 general's intention to provide for him ; he was the 
 
 * It i.s tlio more rpmarkabli- that no disease occurnd, when it ih consi- 
 ili'r<3Ll tliat the exiJi'ilitioit took plaee at a season wlieii the lieat is exces- 
 sive, an'l thiit ciriunistnuecH atlnuttcd of but little prejiaratioii being made 
 for the eoMifort of tlie men. 
 
8IU ISAAC nnor-K. 
 
 a^i 
 
 •oviuee com- 
 
 I 
 
 illcp;ilimate son of Captain irorcuirs K , of tlie 
 
 41)lli, who was iiiifordinatcly drouried on Ms |)!issa<^c; 
 from C.'anaila to En|rlari(J two or tlireo yoars jirc- 
 viously, the vessel in whi»jh lu' cinharkod havin'^ 
 jievor hoen heard of aftnr sailing;.* In liis own 
 f.iinily Isaac Mrock was the ohjert of the warmest 
 aHeetion, and iiis servants oarotully j)roservc(l relies 
 of their "dear master," as they styled hiui to their 
 dviriif dav. His cares and anxieties had no reterence 
 to tho wealth he tihonld amass, but to the sum of 
 human misery he mi^ht relievo ; and towards tho 
 close of his brief carcc.T, as the prospect of increasinrj 
 honors anil emoluments opened to his view, it will 
 have been seen that lu; conteinplated his Ljood fortune 
 only as tho means of diti'usintj felicity, of dryinir the 
 tear of atilietion. t Some of his nearest relatives ha\e 
 since been cut off more prematurely, and far more 
 cruelly, than him.self; but those who still survive 
 him possess the never-failin<r consolation which arises 
 from the remembrance of his virtues, and from tho 
 reflection that, although his blessed spirit fled early 
 from this world, tlxiy may meet again in the ma;isions 
 of futurity. 
 
 Thouyh the dead heed not human praise, yet the 
 livin<; iici wiselv in commemoratinfr the fall of a 
 distinguished chief — the example Is never thrown 
 awny — -and on this occasion it is t^raliiying to reflect, 
 that every posthumous honor was paid to the memorv 
 of one who had merited the distinction so well. A 
 public monument, J havinfr been decreed by the im- 
 perial parlia.aeni, was raised a few years since in St. 
 Vaul'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. § In con- 
 
 ♦ After tl.o scciHMars tall, Majoi Olog:^ kimlU took <harfi^e of the youth, 
 ami sent him U< school, but we know not what hu« situ'i; lieconn- of him, 
 
 t Ttio salary attachod to the civil jfovprnniept of lJi)))t'r ( anaila was 
 iucroastil, we hi'lieve, shoitiy before his death u. .t'.i.ooii a year. 
 
 t \\y an ofliiial relnrii, il appears that this niuniinicnt cost ji 1,575 ster- 
 ling:. For iiiseription, /tc., see Appendix A, Section 1, No. y. 
 § See Appendix A, Section l, No. 10. 
 
:3;52 
 
 LIFE AND < OURESPONDnNfE Of 
 
 Hi; 
 
 I r 
 
 seqnoncG of an address ''^ iVom the commons of TTpper 
 Canada to tlio prince rop^ent, a iiinnificrnt grant of 
 12,(MK) acres oi" land in tlint ]}rovincc wjis bestowed 
 on the fonr survi\injj brotliers of Sir Isaac Brock, 
 who, in addition, were allowed a ])ension of t**2(M) a 
 year for life, hy a vote of the imperial parliament. 
 To "the Hero of I'pper Canada," t as i)e is still 
 affectionately termed in ihat country, the provincial 
 legislature erected a lofty column | on Queenstown 
 Heights, to vvhiv^h his remain«, and those of his gal- 
 lant aide-dc-caiijp, were removed from Fort George 
 in solenjn procession, on the 13th of October, 18'24.§ 
 Although twelve years had elapsed since the inter- 
 ment, the body of the general had undergone little 
 change, his features being nearly perfect and easily 
 recognized, while that of Lieut.- Colonel jNI'Donell 
 M'as 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 : " Nothitig, cer- 
 tJiinly, could e\(;<'ed the interest manifested by the 
 pcfiple of the province upon the occasion ; and num- 
 bers from the neighbouring slate of New York, by 
 their presence atid <'onduet, proved how highly the 
 Americans re\ere th(> memory of our lamcnied chief. 
 Of the thousands present not one had cause to feel so 
 deeply as I, and 1 felt us if alone, although surround- 
 
 * Tor thr artilrrss, see Apiii'mlix A, Scctioii l, No. il 
 
 t Till" fclldwiiij,' i* a iloscriiitioTi nf two coijiht luiliponny tokens, in 
 nrriilutioii in liritisli Nortti Amt'ticH it (cw wars ugi). Out uf llir I'oiiis 
 lu'ar- oil Ujc ohvor^i' a sep'ilt'lirai irii >tantlini!: on a pi-di'sfai, on wliicfi 
 an- iiisciilie.l, " Kki.i. Octuhkh i;i, ihii.'' Two wintrt'd (rtinii hovnr 'iver 
 tlje urn, ami rrosvu it with a s^rcatli ni Imircl tlio wliclc is siirroumied 
 wttli Ihe loffcnil, " Sik Isam limn k I'iik Hkiio of (U'i-kk < av aii v." 
 Till' roviTst'l)fur.-< tin date ihKi, wiUi tliv-k'^ciiil, "Slc'.kss to CoiiMhRr k, 
 A.Mi Hkack to i'iik WoKi.ri." 
 
 Tl.o other coin iM-ars on the one siile a three-masteil ship in fiUl sail, 
 with till- leBTond, " Si i < kss to tiik (.'om:\ikiu:k ok Ui'i'Kit ank I^owkk 
 Canada ; and on tlic other side, "Sia I.saa( Uimx k. tick IIkro ok 
 Uri-Ki« Canai'A, who kki.i. attiik iiLoaioi.'.s Uatvik uk Ui ke.nstown 
 ilBii.trrii, ON rtiK Kim O' roi)k:i<, iHli" 
 
 t This column co>t ntarly .*;i,()MO, Halifax currency. See acts of the 
 piovincial letfislatuic, Appcmlix A, Section 1, No. I'J. 
 
 « For the details of the re-iuttrineut, s( c ,\ppundi\ A, ^^cction 1, No. 13. 
 
^1 
 
 3F 
 
 ons of Upper 
 jent |j;rant of 
 i)vas bestowed 
 Isaac Brock, 
 .11 of t*-i<M> a 
 1 pavliaineiit. 
 as lie is i^till 
 ilie provincial 
 1 (^uecnstown 
 )S0 of 1 1 is gnl- 
 
 I Fort Gcorji^e 
 c-tober, lS-24.§ 
 iico the inter- 
 idcriione little 
 (.ct iiiitl rasily 
 iiiel M'Doneil 
 tion. One of 
 lMtz<!;ibbon, in 
 •8 of tlie day, 
 Notbinn;, ocr- 
 ifested by tbe 
 )n ; and nura- 
 ilow York, by 
 o\v liinblv tbe 
 
 I I net I led cbief. 
 ;in.s(? to feel so 
 
 Miiib surround- 
 
 1 
 
 ilipcnny tokens, in 
 
 Out I if till' (.'dins 
 
 lu'di'stal, 111! wincli 
 
 ji'il triMiii Viovoi 'iver 
 
 whclc- IS surrtuiniied 
 
 K I'l'l'KR < AN Al)\." 
 (KSS TO C'<-MlMhH< K, 
 
 led ship ill full >*n\\, 
 
 Ll'l'Kll AM) 1/0\VKR 
 
 oi K. rnK IIkro ok 
 
 K OF UlKENSTOWN 
 
 ii> . See acts of the 
 A, Section 1, No. 1'3. 
 
 SIR ISAAC nROCK. 
 
 a')3 
 
 k 
 
 ed by tbe nuiltitmb?. IIo bad been more tl)an .. 
 fafber to me in lljat regiment wbicli be ruled like a 
 fafber, and 1 alone of bis old fri<'rfls in tbat regiment 
 was present to einbalm \vitb u tear bis lust bonored 
 retreat. Wbat I witnessed on tbis day would bavo 
 fully confirnied me in tbe opim'on, bad confirmation 
 been wanting, tbat the pnl.lic feeling in tbis province 
 lias been permanetitly improved and elevated by Sir 
 Isaac Brock's conduct and actions wbile governing- 
 its inbabitants. These, tofjetber willi bis dvinjj; in 
 tbeir defence, buve done more towards cementing our 
 union witb tbe mother country than any event or 
 circumstance since tbe (existence of the province. Of 
 tbis our leading men are aware, and are carefid to 
 seize every opj)ortunity of preserving recollections so 
 productive of good effects." Tlie ceremony of re- 
 iriternicnt was indeed a most imposing one, and it 
 was attended by the lieutenant-governor, Sir l^erc- 
 grinc -Mailiand, and other otHcers of rank, tbe Ju'lges, 
 the members of tbe executive and legislative councils 
 and of the bouse of assembly, tbe Indian cbiefs of tbe 
 Five Nations, the entire 7l»ib regiment, several regi- 
 ments of militia, &c. kc. "The time occupied in 
 moving iVom the fort to (^ueeiistown, a distance of 
 nearly seven miles, was about three hours, including 
 sto[)pages. Being arrived opposite tbe spot where 
 the lamented Ihto received bis mortal wound, tbe 
 whole procession baited, and remained for a few mi- 
 nutes in solemn pause !" The height of tbecolumn,* 
 wbicb commanded a view of tbe suiroundintj country 
 foi" al)oiit fifty miles, was from tbe 'rw to tbe suni- 
 init l:J'*> fe(!t, and fr(nn the l(;\el - i the. Niagara 
 river, which runs nearly under it, 4i.i^ I'eot. It was 
 built with grey coloured limestone of primitive form- 
 ation, and aj)i)roacbing to white ail tbe exterior being 
 
 * M was a TuBcaii coliuiiii on a rustic iiodestH,!, with a peilfsta! tor a 
 Ktutiie ; till' diaiiii'tor of Hio Ijiisf •)( tiii" ool iinn was scvciitot-ii focr --i.v 
 inclit's, and the abafiisof tlic i-apital wis siirro'uided with an iron rniliiig. 
 The eeiitre shalt, containing the spiral W/odcn btaircasc, was ten feet in 
 diameter, 
 
3.54 
 
 IJFE AND COnRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 executed with cut stone of superior workmansliiji. 
 The followinpf inscription was engraven on tljis splen- 
 did tribute to the unladin<]f remembrance of a grateful 
 people ; * 
 
 i;PPEH CANADA 
 
 HAS I)KI>1CATKI> THIS MOVl'MKNT 
 
 TO THE MKMf>Ky Ol' THE I.ATE 
 
 MAJOR. liEVF.RAI. SIR ISA.\C BKOCK, K. D. 
 
 PROVISIONAL LIEirr.-CiMVEHNOR AMD COMMANDER OF THE FonCES 
 
 IN THIS rHOVIM'E, 
 
 WHOSE RKMAINS AIIK UEPOSirKli IN THE VAULT BENEATH. 
 
 OPPOSING THE INVADING ENEMY, 
 
 HE FELL IN ACTION NEAR THESE lIEUiHTS, 
 
 ON THE 1;Uh OCTOHlill, INI3, 
 
 l.N THt 43ta YEAR OF HIS AOE, 
 
 REVERED AND LAMENTED 
 
 BV THE PEOl'LE WHOM HB OOVERNKD, 
 
 AND DKrj.OHED IIY THK SOVKHEIGN 
 
 TO WHOSE SERVICE HIS LIFE HAD UEEN DEVOTED. 
 
 I( 
 
 The cataract of Niagara is supposed to have com- 
 menced on the heights of Queenstown, and to have 
 gradually receded, or worn its way backwards to its 
 present site, seven miles above, near Chippawah, the 
 banks of the river on both sides between the two spots 
 being perpendicular, 25() to iWX) feet in heiulit, chiefly 
 of solid rock, and of the same level as the full.f 
 
 "The village of Queenstown is beautifully situated 
 at the foot of a hill, and upon the side of the Niagara 
 river, the hank of which is high and precipitous. The 
 imagination i>< agreeably struck with the first view of 
 the place. On one side of tlie village is a nunuitain 
 covered with a shrubbery and verdure; — behind, a 
 rich and cultivated plain expends backwards, which 
 
 * We speak in the pftst tense, because the column, as will be seen 
 in the sequel, was s<j much injured in 1K40 as to icquiie its recon- 
 struction. 
 
 t Mr. UakewcU estin\ates the recession during the present century at 
 three teet jier year, while Mr. Lyell, the celebrated irc«ili)ijist, thinks one 
 foot a more proliable estimate, and oouipute.s that it must lidve taken at 
 leabt :)a,oii(i years to weai away the inlerventnu space ! ! 
 
OF 
 
 rt'orkmansliij). 
 on this splen- 
 5 of a gratel'ul 
 
 v.U. 
 OK THE FonCES 
 
 LT BKNEATH. 
 
 [illTS, 
 
 ED, 
 N 
 
 DEVOTED. 
 
 to have com- 
 , and to have 
 ckwards to its 
 hippawah, the 
 1 the two spots 
 hciiiht, chiefly 
 llie tall.t 
 ifitlly situated 
 of the Niagara 
 >cipitoas. The 
 le first view of 
 is u mountain 
 j;; — behind, a 
 i wards, which 
 
 nn, as will be seen 
 icfiuiie its recoil- 
 present century at 
 •c.iloijist, thiiiiis one 
 must hdvo Ulten at 
 
 ■ 
 
 i 
 
 ■ 
 
 I \ 
 
 SIH ISAAC HROCK. 
 
 JJ.'Si) 
 
 is hounded in every direction by luxuriant woods; 
 while in front, the Niagara river glides in majestic 
 stillness, and may hv. 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 exjmsed, forms a 
 singular contrast, daring summer, with the pure 
 green of the trees and Holds in the vicinity 
 
 " Queenstown must infallibly acquire magnitude 
 and importance when the province bec«jmes populous 
 and flourishin<ji:, for it is situated at the commence- 
 merit 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 containinjj: {joods and stores destined for the 
 western parts of Up|>er Canada must unload and 
 leave their cargoes at (Queenstown, that they may bo 
 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 for- 
 ward a considerable quantity of stores to the Indian 
 lerritories by this route, and the courjtry merchants 
 receive annual su]»plies of goods from Montreal, ami 
 send down pork, flour, staves, and potash, in return.* 
 
 *' The environs of <^ueenstown are beautifully pic- 
 turesque and romantic, and nothing can be finer llian 
 the prospect up the Niagara river. Immediately 
 above the village its chauuel narrows very much, and 
 the hanks rise to the height of iM)C> feet perpendicular, 
 while at the same time thev become wild and rockv, 
 and arc thickly covered with trees of variiMis kinds. 
 In pome 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. 
 
 * The ennstrijction oi the Wellnnd eanal has since furnished better 
 meafH of transi>ort t>efwocii the tw lakes by iuiother route, and Queens- 
 town has iu consequence lost the advantage wluch it once possebsed. 
 
^1 ' 
 
 35(j 
 
 Lll'E AND COUKESPONDENCE OF 
 
 r 
 
 " At the ferry, tlio Niajjara river is 1,2^50 f<-'Ot in 
 hrcadtli, and from 2()0 to 'J(M) in doptli. The current 
 is very rapid, and. the wnatliinpj and perturbed ap- 
 pearance of <lie water sliews that its course is much 
 impeded by the narrowness ot" tlie channel, "which 
 must be entirely composed of rocks ; lor, otherwise, 
 the continual and ra))id attrition of such a luri^e river 
 as that which Hows throu'^li it, would undermine and 
 wear away the banks, and thus gradually enlarge and 
 widen its course. 
 
 " The prospect from the top of Queenstown moun- 
 tain is ihe iinest and most extensive that (Jpper 
 Canada artords, and, in an cndneut dcjiree, combines 
 the beautiful and the magiuHcenr. The wild and 
 majestic precipices which cn^Tulf one part of the 
 Niagara river, the windings and mirrored expanse of 
 that noble body of water, tlie dim and !uidis(;(»verablc 
 e.\tent of Lake Ontario, together v, iiij ih'e verdant 
 orchards, thick forests, and improved fields, elow- 
 ing beneath a pure sky, collectivelv form a scene of 
 admirable etiecr, and composition. Even ^ ork, which 
 is JiG miles distant, am' lies very low, can be seen 
 from the summit of this hill duriu'j: clear weather." * 
 
 ON THE DEATH OF MAJOR-GENERAL BROCK. 
 
 Low bendini? o'er th« ruirgcd bitr 
 The soldier drops the iniurnful •^car, 
 I'or lifo di-parti'il, valour diivcii, 
 Frosli from the field of death to hoaven. 
 
 But time shall tondly trace the nnmc 
 
 Of Brock upon the scrolls of Fame, 
 
 And thn-e bright iaurrls, whi'-h should wave 
 
 Upon tht' lirow of 'iic so brave, 
 
 Shall flourish vernal o'er his grave. 
 
 J H. K 
 
 * Ilowisoi- Sketches of Upper Cunada. London, JS2) 
 
OF 
 
 1,'2*>0 t'.'ct In 
 The current 
 pertiirbod ap- 
 Mirso is nmcli 
 intiTiul, M'liich 
 or, otlicTwiso, 
 li a larjio river 
 imlormitK" and 
 U enlarge and 
 
 I 
 
 SIH ISAAC UKOCK. 
 
 ;jo7 
 
 CHAPTEJl XV. 
 
 . mSTOKKAL. ' 
 
 jnstown moun- 
 
 that l.'|»per 
 rvcL\ cornbiucs 
 The wild and 
 I) part of the 
 rod expanse of 
 undii^coverable 
 i) ih'e verdant 
 
 1 fields, f;lu\v- 
 Drni !i scone of 
 in York, which 
 , can 1)0 seen 
 ;ar weather." * 
 
 L IIKOCK, 
 
 wave 
 
 ., H. K 
 ;ticinn, 1821 . 
 
 " If 1 niiRlit (fivo a Hhnrt hmt ti tin lnip«rtinl writer, it would ho to tell 
 tiiin hi-^ lati' li hi' u'shIvcj to \ciil.iirc tiiion tlu' (hiimiToiis prpcipici' ot 
 telling unbiassi'd triitti, lot him |iruclaini war witli mankind -■ m-i'lior ti) 
 givv. noi to tiiKo (jiiaiter." Hk Fok. 
 
 Sir Jsaac IJrock was succeeded in liis civil and 
 military ooininands in I^|)per Canada by Major- 
 General Sheafli?, * who was created a baronet for the 
 dearlv boiifflit victory of Oiieensiown, which was 
 scarcely achioxed <'rc he afrrnotl, on the same after- 
 noon of tiie fiit.tl IJUh of October, to a cessation of 
 firinfr for throe days, on condition of tl.e Americans 
 destroying- their bateaux, which they complied with ; 
 anil the truce was pr(jl()nf,aMl on the l()ih to an indefi- 
 nite period. -I- After the battle, (ieneral Wadsworth 
 and some of the principal AmericJin officers were 
 paroled, the remainder proceedinfj; to (Quebec. Among 
 the prisoners, 2i) were found to be deserters from 
 i'^nglish repriments, and British born snbjects ; and 
 
 * noth Mic t'anada« were now governed by British oflRcers, horn in the 
 Unitcil states. 
 
 t "T) <i.O. Fort Geortre, 13th Ortoher, Ifita.-— A ''P'n^atlon of firinjchav- 
 !ng hoiMi a(i:nH(i oii li> Maj(<r (jeneraj Shtaffe and Major-lii-iu'ral Vaii 
 Uunssclaor, (•■innnandintr tlio Aiihtu-hii tr;iops at 1 »'Wistown, ^c, for three 
 day >. iiidiii»4 un Fridny , the 1 Itli mstunf, at four o'clock, p. ni., the officers 
 ti,nim>iiiiliiix tin- sivt ral [Kist;* oa (lie line will rcculsto tUv.n conduct 
 arconliiiifly. Tmom \> ."ivAv^, H.M." 
 
 "1> <; (). Fort Ooorgc, ifdh October, ihi'j.-- A piuloiistHtion of the 
 cc^sHticiii of hostilities haviiiir hceii ai:recd iipon between Majur-fJciieral 
 Sheattc iiiid Ma.iiM .(Ji'iutui Van kcuss-clair for au iiiideiMii'd period, the 
 oflicors comiiiaiHlii'u; posts ainrifr the hue will strictly e;ovcrii theniHelve:* 
 iccordjiiirly until tiiither order's. Uy order. Tho.mas Ev.^.vs, B M," 
 
 ■t 
 
 .t>:at 
 
aw 
 
 LIFB AND COHHESPONDENCE OP 
 
 I 
 
 they were sent to Kri^'Iaml for trial as traitors. This 
 oaiiscil a rctalialiori upon British prisoners in the 
 United ^«tatcs., and an cijual niinibcr were put bv the 
 American government into close confinement us host- 
 utjes for the seciiritv of llio traitors. 
 
 On the iHih of Ootoher, (icneral Smyth assumed 
 the ronimand at N'ia^'ara, and applied lo the British 
 general for an armistice ; and notwithsfandiri'j^ the 
 widl-known prejudicial eHect of the former one pro- 
 posed by Sir (Jeorgc Prevost, it was also agreed to 
 ))y ^lajov-Cfeneral SheaH'e ! ' This unac^countable 
 proceeding, as niigiit easily have been foreseen, proved 
 of material dotrimetit to the Briti'ib on Lake Erie, 
 as the Americans availed iheniselves of so favorable 
 an occasion to forward their naval stores uimiolested 
 from Black Kork to Presciu'ilc bv water, which they 
 could not otherwise have efh'Ctcd Imt \v ith inmiense 
 trouble and expense by land, and equippei! at leisure 
 the Heet which the ncctyear wrested from us he com- 
 mand of that lake. When the enemy was prepared 
 for a third invasion of Upper Canada, (Jeneral Smytli 
 did not fail to give tlie thirty Jiours notice required 
 for tlie cessation of the armistice, which terminated 
 on the 20th of November. 
 
 pi 
 
 "After the surrender of Detroit," said the inha- 
 bitants of Niagara in their spirited letter to Sir 
 George Prevost, already quoted, (page iii)7,) *'the 
 enemy were sutt'ered uninoUsted to concentrate u 
 large force on the Niagara, at Saoketts liarbour on 
 Lake Ontario, and at Ogdonsburg in the vSt. Lav-i 
 rcnce J they were nor interriipted in bringing for\\ard 
 to these places a large (juantity of Iteid and heavy 
 artillery, with the requisite supplies of ammunition, 
 and in equipping a Hotilla, to dispute v\ith us the 
 superiority of the lakes. When th»;ir pre[)arations 
 
 « " bit' (.erieral ShrxflV, like his suin'n.n, \»'8KaIi)\cr of arn.istii-es. 
 nnd atlt r the acti<>ii In ounfliideii oiio ol lu> own with tlic Auiciican 
 gfiu'ral, for which tin ri'nsun, civil or intlitary, wa.-, evvr asKig^iied." — 
 Tjnail'-.rlij Jlfvifu; July, irirJ; articli!, " Canii)aiirii» ui U»e Cauatlas." 
 
)F 
 
 SIH ISAAv: HROCK. 
 
 359 
 
 raitors. This 
 sontM'S in the 
 [•10 |)ul h\ tlie 
 Bineiii us liost- 
 
 inylli assumed 
 lo tlie liritish 
 lifitandiii'j: tlio 
 irmor one pro- 
 also ntfroed to 
 nnacTOuntable 
 iresoon, proved 
 jn l-ako Erie, 
 >t' so favorable 
 res unmolested 
 ,er, which they 
 ^vith immense 
 ppeu at leisure 
 om us *hc eom- 
 r was prepared 
 (icneral Smytli 
 lofice required 
 ieh terminated 
 
 said the inha- 
 letter to Mr 
 o-c 21)7,) ''the 
 concentrate u 
 t'ft Harbour on 
 I the St. Liiv% 
 inijinrr forsNard 
 eld and heavy 
 ji' unnnniution, 
 te with us the 
 it prei)arations 
 
 I i(i\cr of arn.istices. 
 
 1 A'ith The Ainorican 
 «-, t!Vir iissiRned." — 
 .ii Uie (. auailas " 
 
 were complete — when our regular and iniHtla forces 
 were nearly exiiansted with incessant watching' and 
 fatigue, occasioned by the movements of the enemy, 
 which kept them constantly on the alert by uncer- 
 tainty as to the ))oint of attack — they at len«;th, on 
 ihe I'Jth of October, attacked our line at Queenstown. 
 The behaviour of both rcjjulars and militia on that 
 memorable occasion is well known to your excellency, 
 and added another wreath to the laurels they had 
 gained at Detroit: the ^'lories of that day were, how- 
 ever, obscured by the death of our beloved and now 
 lamented chief, whose exertions Imd prepared the 
 n)ciins of acliicNin*: this great victory. TUis was 
 another triumph for the militia ; they liad fairly 
 measured their strength with the enemy, and derive-d 
 additional confidence from the glorious result. Here 
 was nnoiher opportunity that slipj^ed away without 
 being improved : Fort jViagara was abandoned by 
 the enemy, and might have been with the greatest 
 ease destroyed, and its guns brought away by a 
 trifling force. It is neither necessary, nor do we feel 
 inclined to enter into the causes why it was not done; 
 we have, however, ihe strongest reason to believe 
 that, had General IJrock survived, it would have 
 been attempted.* In addition to this (as we consider 
 it) capital err(tr. Major Mullaney. and other natural 
 born stdjjects of his majesty, actually taken in arms 
 as commissioned otfieers in the service of the United 
 ii^tates, were released aiid allowed to return on parole 
 to that country ; and a partial armistice was agreed 
 to, liable to be broken oil at thirty ])0urs notice, 
 whicli could be productive of no real advantage to 
 us, nor give any repose to our harassed and sutlcring 
 militia, though it enabled the enemy to recruit his 
 
 * " Such wa« tilt! iii$;may of tlic enemy at Itn' result of the urtion at 
 QiiOenstown. Uiat ha.l (icneraJ Slioaffo, wiio coinniandcd aftor the death 
 i)f Bnu'k, crushed f^vei immediately afterwards, as it is said lie was 
 strniiifl) urired l)> iiis otViccrs to do, tiie fort of NiaB-rira, -wliirh its purrison 
 hail eveii evacuated for <>ume time, iiii^'ht have been caiitured, and the 
 whole of that line cleared of the American trooiya, "—Quarterli^ lievieu. 
 
:HiO 
 
 MIE AND ( OnnEfiPONDENCE OV 
 
 stiTiijjtli ond orfrnni/c at will the im-nri!. of nitarkiiif^ 
 UH niunv. Ilo wa^ obsorvol Imsil^ .itiil acti\<'l\ ein- 
 plovcl, tbioarrlioiit a jrrr.af jMirf. <il' tlio niioitli of 
 N'ovoniber, C()iloctin|j^ I'oats on tlu; I'orl F.rie <'ii(l of 
 tilt' Jine ; .md when Ins preparations ucro c('"ip!ete, 
 li« «ra\(; notice of tlie torniiiuilioM of the ainiihtice on 
 the 'J(iHi." 
 
 ; ; h 
 
 ■I i 
 
 "When (iCTioral ^Vilkin*iOll <'onjpIaiii'^, ' ohservfs 
 the British historian, Jarne8, "llmt the executive has 
 not rendered 'common justict !•» tin principal actors 
 in this ;i;allant scene,' — not o\l ihited it rothecourifry 
 'in ils»frue liflit, ai'.. slieun what deeds Ameijcan« 
 itrfi still ♦.•apabhj of jterforming,' ' — >\ho among ns 
 can retnin hi** ^i^vavity .' ' It is true,' says the cencral, 
 *compl.'te succe>*s did not nititinitely <;rown this en- 
 ter[^ris<: ; but two great cnd^ were ohtaiiud for the 
 counlrv . !l ro-establisln(l iht- chara< t(!r of the Ame- 
 rican amis;' — it did mdeed ! — 'and dejirivcd the 
 eneny, by the death of ( icneral Brock, of the hist 
 ortiter tjiat ha« headed *h«ir troops in ( Vmadu f hrough- 
 out the var;' — trulli Jindeninble !— ' and, with his 
 loss, put at. riid to tlieir then bnlliatit career;' — yet 
 the oaptiin; of (iencral Wadsworth took place in less 
 than five ho\n> afterwards. 
 
 '*The if.stant we know wliat the American? expect- 
 ed li! iiiMii, a ti>lerabhj idea mav be foriiii-d ot' what 
 ?.];':'> rruudly lest by the aitiiiA upon <^neenstown. 
 General Van Hensselaer, in a letter to Major-Cieneral 
 l)earlK>rn, written five days previously, savn thus : 
 ' Should vse isucceed, av(; shall efieei, a great discom- 
 fiture of the cnemv, bv b)'eal<ing tht^r line of C()m- 
 munieatjo)!, driving theii- shippin;^ from the mouth 
 of this river, leaving tin in no rallying point in this 
 part of the country, appalling the uiiiuls of the Cana- 
 dians, and optMiing a wide and sale comn^nnication 
 for our supplii- J wr "^hall save our own land — wipe 
 
 ■* Frmn an Am;' . an vork-- Majur (icin-rai Jaincs Wilkinson's "Me- 
 moirs ot my own Tiuic," puliiibheil in Ibi6 — ti'. 
 
Of 
 
 SIR ISAAC IHtUCK. 
 
 a<ii 
 
 lii of jutfickiri"; 
 I iictiv<'l,\ om- 
 tlio nj«)Mtli of 
 rt I'.rio <^ikI of 
 vcro coTuplote, 
 10 armistice on 
 
 liii'," observes 
 D cxPciilive llRR 
 iriiici|Kil actors 
 ; ro the country 
 eds AiiioncaiiM 
 v\ ho among us 
 lys llio uonoral, 
 rrowfi tliii cri- 
 Ittaincd for tlit 
 i!r of i\\o Aiue- 
 
 I deprived the 
 (tk, of the best 
 anndu throiijih- 
 ' and, with Ids 
 
 carter ;' — yet 
 uk i)hiC'C in less 
 
 t'ricriii? rxpect- 
 oritiud of \vhat 
 
 II (^iiconstown. 
 "Major-General 
 1\, savK thus : 
 I <^rout discom- 
 ii line of C'oni- 
 roni tlie mouth 
 ri(r point in this 
 cfs of the Cana- 
 cornniiinication 
 vn hmd — wipe 
 
 .3 VUkuison's "'>A<- 
 
 away part of tlie score of our past disgrace — pet 
 excellent harru?ks and uinfer f|ii;irtcr*', and at least 
 he prepared ior un ( ;irly runipai;^n anothtr year.' 
 
 '• It is often saiii, liiat W' tiirow awiiy hy the pen 
 what we pain hy the sword. Had (itneral Brock 
 beon less prodjoal <4* his valuable lite, nrid survived 
 tlic^ (^necnstowri hntfle, hi; woiilil have niade the IDtli 
 of Ofinhtr a still uu>tc * nienioral)l(>' d;iy. hy cross i nil 
 thfi river and carryinp I'ort Niiijjara, which, at that 
 prccihc time, was nearly 8trip])ed of ita parn-ion. 
 Instead of doinu iliis, and thus jiiiftin'j" an end to the 
 canipiupn upon the Mfn.vn"a frontier, Major-(ieneral 
 iSheatle, dene; a! Jircii'k'-^ •.U(!cessor, allowed himself 
 to be pcrsuailcd to sin;n an nn >.tire." 
 
 IlaviiiLT piven these two . viraets, wc think it due 
 to Major-Cierieral Shentfe . ♦<> ruth to add, that as 
 reparil- the attack on I'ori "^ ra, much allowance 
 should be nunle for his l'eii,_, -^u -nddenly and unex- 
 ])cctedl\ called to the chief commiind, e\cn if such 
 a?i attack had been p.iidi.'nt and feasible, which, 
 however, admit'^ of nnn h doubt. 7^ut of the impo- 
 licy of the armistii-c there ••an, we eonceive, be no 
 nuestion ; and we arc assured, on the best authority, 
 tnat it excited \ erv <j;eneral distrust at the lime. 
 
 In \ovciid)er, the Americans were alicadv in 
 conunand of liJike Ontario,^ Commodore Chauncey 
 liavinp sailed from Sackctt's Harbour on the (ilh with 
 one brip and six hi hooners, nujuntinp altogether 40 
 guns, and cari-yiu(i 4-J<i men, includin;^ marines ; and 
 their licet, after cha&In<j- the Jtoyal (jieorjrt! into Kini;- 
 ston, captured on the I'idi tin transj)on sloo|) I'^liza- 
 betli, on board of which was Air. Brock, f juiymaster 
 
 * " But tlicmost fatal and imlpuhle error of thecommaiidiT-in-chief was 
 h'.s iicifltct to l)rl•^^rvL' Hi.it a^^^.lM)(lan^y on r.akes Eiii' nixl Ontario wliicii 
 was ac'id.-illy i-njiiycil by tlif Brilisli nt tlic <)|)Ciun^ ol ti.e i-nntest, \'hv 
 cuinnmntl ni tliesr lakes is so I'vidcutly iin ol)jfci. ut primary coiisiiloiatioii 
 ill tliC (leit'iK-r lit th«' C aiiaila», tliat it is ptrtcctly iiicoiiri ivalilf how any man 
 ill Sir (ifor^'i. Pro vdistS stiiatioii ooulil Imvo been so jiifatuatcil a.stodisrc- 
 garii tlu" iinportHiicf of iiiniiitainiii;^ bii Miptriority." — (Jiiurlnli/ Ueviev. 
 
 t James Broc-k ^vas lirsi a lioiitt-nant of tbo siitli rctjiimiit, ainl next 
 pavuia^tir ot tlie 4ytli, in wlucii ^ituutaii liu died of cliolcra at Uciiarci>, 
 

 7 
 
 IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
 1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 :!: 1^ 12.0 
 
 1^ 
 
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 11.25 II 1.4 
 
 1.6 
 
 Photographic 
 
 Sciences 
 Corporation 
 
 h 
 
 A 
 
 
 A 
 
 \ 
 
 V 
 
 
 ^^ 
 
 \ 
 
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 ^9> 
 
 V 
 
 
 
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 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 

i ; 
 
 'MV. 
 
 I II I. ANi» t (iiniisrdN ni'.Nci; t»i" 
 
 r 
 
 «>rili(' ISMli. Il(^ NviiM imrolt'd l»y ( '(Miimodorf" (Miimii- 
 (•('V, wlm, Id lii>» iTctlit l><" il siiid, iiimirdiMlcly rr- 
 sIohmI " (III' plnlr mid cHrclM |)cloii!;iii};' lt> IiIh lafr 
 illii^lrioiis nliilixt'. ' uldrli lie was convey iii'^ li'oiii 
 I'orl ({('orL't' lo Kiii'-sttiii. Tlic Ixn cd' Icllcrs niid 
 olIuM' |>ii|)i'r^, tV«)iii Nvliirli (liis liltlc work lias liccti 
 |>i"iii«'i|)allv »'»)iii|>il('d, was, we ladii'NC, aiiioii^ i1m's<> 
 rlVocfs ; and we kindly st'i/,t< this o|)|)»»rliiiiily lo cx- 
 pn'ss (lie ol)li|'^a(ioM of Sir Isaar llrork's laindy lo 
 the t'(Miiiii()dttrt' lor Ins t.'.rii''i'osily on lliis occasion. ♦ 
 Tlio |)rt>|M'icty «)(' iMijor-(«ciicral nro(d;'s inlcniion of 
 ullaclxiiuv Saclvi'tl's I larlioiir onl\ (wo inonllis licl'oro 
 must, now he inandc'^l, a • liad il lallcii, as is prolial.lc, 
 this very sunadion would doiihlh'ss liavt> Itceii lonnd 
 ill the course of preparation, and Ihc whoh- of lh(i 
 vessels hronidit ollor destroyed. 
 
 Sir No'4»>r Sheailc appears to ha\'c he»Mi so ahirniiMl 
 hy tlic a>-t"cnihiiicy ol' the enemy .-ii Lake ( )nlario, 
 that he |)ropos<'d immcdialely to Sir (»eor<^e INt^vosl. 
 to ahau(h>ii the \iai;ani iVontier, and, as a natural 
 oouse(nienct\ the \vhoh' id' I'pjier Canada west, of 
 cither \'orii or Kingston, proliahiy the latter. Tho 
 iicncruoi-^encral seems \o lia\e lent a williiiLj ear to 
 this proposal, and to have <:,i>cn instr.iclions to savo 
 the tr<)ops at all hazards; hut. (ieiicral ShealVe was 
 liappily restrained iVom his purpose hy the pressiup; 
 reuumstrances ot' the militia lichl ollicers and other 
 Icrtduig men of the iVontier, who urged him to main- 
 
 in India, l''i\ o oIIum liiiu-k-., tiist t'ousitis of tho ciMU'ivd, \vv\\- in ftu' 
 isrniy ; ur,uin;; tlivin was Miijin .lunu's lirui-k, ol llio iiiili Li^lit Hihi-vimius, 
 wl>o tlii'tl youiiir. ami tin' piOM'ot Coloiul Samiiuic' llrork, who soivitl um 
 uoaptuin ot tin- t:u| l.i^ht liituiilr> llinMii;lioiit tlu' I't'iiiir^iilHr war dikI at 
 Nv'w l>iU'iiiiN, ,\iHt tm> H luMwion toi woiiiiil.'i. ,\iioiliri t'u>t coiiNin, IMiilip 
 Urovk, imils',\i|iii\:oi ni II. M. S, Ktiio. was ovi'itiiki'ii on slioro liy u snow 
 storm 111 Ncwiouiuliioul, ami lio,-,i a to ilcalli 
 
 * " tt ^la^ alroady lui'ii uotivu-il, that a vcssi'l oaptinoil on I, akc Ontario, 
 m whii-h was i^aptain llr.uU, liad on lio.'ud. aimmi:- otlirr v:diiablu arti. 
 I'los, I'.'.oiK) dollars in spii'U". 'riiis appi'ars to lla^^' liccn tlii' privato 
 proiRTty ot' tlio lato Majvu -Cionoral IMoclv ; and tlii' la^'t hi-im,' i\iadi' Unown 
 to ovir sailors, they nnaninunislv atrrocd to rclimiuish it. 'I'liiis do our 
 tn's heat llie ononu . as wa'II ni ^oni'rosity as in (rnllaidrv." — .V/V-vv' W'rfhli/ 
 liiXftrr, lialtinuMi'. Uoi'i-niht-r I'.', iSli' - Not ono word ol truth as rLirards 
 tJic spccio, and threc-tuniths of the turs wcro prohaMy IJritish isnhjocts. 
 
HI It ISA,V( llltiM K. 
 
 :5i;:j 
 
 n (MiMim- 
 :il('Iy ro- 
 ) Ills liiti; 
 iii;^ iVoiii 
 llci'M mill 
 
 IlIlM llCCll 
 
 )ii<^ llic'^o 
 \\y lo I'X- 
 laiuily fo 
 
 i('CIImI()||.+' 
 
 'ciilioii (>r 
 lis hi'l'oro 
 
 |)l'(»l»ul.|(', 
 
 (-11 roniiil 
 \v. of tlu! 
 
 > ;il:ir)MO(I 
 
 ( )Ml;iri(>, 
 
 ' l*r(!v<)sf, 
 
 II Miititral 
 
 wcsf, «)f 
 
 or. 'I'l.o 
 
 r>u; onr to 
 
 s (o s:ivo 
 
 'iilVc was 
 
 pi'ossin^ 
 
 ml oflior 
 
 to niaiii- 
 
 wi'ii.- ill tlio 
 it l)rim:<"">'<, 
 ho m'ivkI hs 
 r wur niJtl at 
 )ii''iii, I'liiliit 
 
 by a MU)w 
 
 nkcOtitiirio, 
 iliialilL' iiiti> 
 till' jiiivatt; 
 luidc Known 
 'riiiih (lit our 
 
 1/rs' Wri'Uli/ 
 
 h as rc^ranls 
 
 1 .suhjocts. 
 
 tain liin posltiun, and to cviiKrc u Uriii <1i'tt'rrriiri;tti(»ri 
 ol" iCHislaiH'c (() llif 1,1^1, 'I'Ik' iiilialjitanls «i( flic (li,4- 
 tv'u'i. wcri! iiiiliiriillv iiiili<.Miaii(, at llir iiilfnfion of 
 JM'iiij;" lIiMH liiinicdly ajtaiujoiicd ; iukI m tlirir Ictlor 
 (if I )cn'llilH'r |<», IMJ'J, ;ill.:ulv tvvicM' <•!((•(!, tlicv 
 ('.\|ir(>sr(l lli('iiis('|s'< 111 l( riiis wJiicli, lniWuVfT (IIh- 
 j)l('asiii;i^ to llic two foniiiiiiiidi rs, liccaiiic i'lcc and 
 }.^';ill;nit iiicn, aiiMom to defend llicir liomcH ainl pro- 
 |i('rtics. On tlic oilier ji.ind, the situation of tlio 
 Jlrilisji lriM)|iM, |ioili on die .Niajrara und Detroit, 
 must liav( ixcn one of mindi anxiety, as li.id tlic 
 ciKMiiy possessed Hiillleieiil < nierprisc to cinbark u 
 Hti'oii}^ land f<»rce on hoiid their s(|iiadron, and la 
 dehark it (m (lie ('uniidiuM shore in the rear of Sir 
 no(.<;cr Slualle's division, the hitler nii<,dit not only 
 hii\a! been taken in rcvervc, Imt pliiced lietween two 
 iircH; and the retreat <d'("(doiie| I'loetor's lilLJo army 
 liav(! been fijinijly endangered or eiit oil. 
 
 ( )n tiu! 27lli oi" April, JHlM, York was r-aptiirfd hy 
 Major-(ien( ral Dearhorii, with ahont 1,7(H) Amei-ieun 
 troops, einharkeiJ in foiiric en sail of iirined vew^els, 
 that jiost l»(;ifiej o(!('iipied hy •>•'<' leniilars and militia, 
 with from 10 to •'">() Indians, tla.' whole iind«:r the 
 inimt'diiitf command oi Sir Roeer Sheafie', Iti ro 
 sislirit!,- (Ih! enc'inv, the Mienadier 0()inp;tny of tlio Hth 
 (lli(! kin;;'s) regiment i^reatly distiii«;iiish.'d iJiem-clvi-'S, 
 losiiie- their capliiiii, M'Neal, and heiri;; nearly anni- 
 liihited."* JJy an cxplos^ion of (ho powder mai^azine, 
 lo which a, (rain had hcon laid, '2i'A) of the Americans 
 wore killed or woundi.'d, includiii'^ ]Jri;^adior I'ikfj 
 junom': the' former; atid thev were thrown into such 
 confusion, I (hat an immediate and resolute attack 
 
 * Tlierc were (jiily two conMinnii"* of tlic xei cni^ai^cd at Vork, un-i they 
 liuil 1 caiitdin, I st.'it^caiit iiiiiior, ;i SLTlccants, H) laiik and file killed — 
 total, !.'> killed and i[) wounded, partly, howcvt r, hy tli( fxplonion of a 
 wooden jiowdcr iiiiifii/im' -an ijiniHiially >c\LTr io--i and little known, 
 Ix'caiisc tlicir K'lliaidry was cxeitcrt on an nntortnnatc occasiun. At tlie 
 liattU- of Maida, tin- entire loss of the Uriti.sli army in killed was precisely 
 the same as tliut (jf these two companies, viz. 1 cfticer, :j sergeants, and 
 tl rank and tile. 
 
 t "(;eneial .SliealTc has Itoen much blatncd, fir=t for t^e injudicious 
 pobition of the troops, by whicii the grenadier c(j/npany vf the btli rejfi- 
 
 i 
 
WW 
 
 fi 
 
 f 
 
 r, • 
 
 i 
 
 rip 
 
 ■> .13 .!:■ 
 
 i 
 
 il: 
 
 ! ■"^; 
 
 ll^'i-l 
 
 ;> 't 
 
 :JG4 
 
 LIFE AND CORTIESPONDEXCE OF 
 
 would probably have sent tbein buck to their ships. 
 The British general *' drew oti" his regulars and left 
 the rest to capitulate within the town, wherein consi- 
 derable public stores were lost;"* and the Americans, 
 having secured their booty, re-embarked and sailed 
 on the 2nd of May for Niagara. The inhabitants of 
 York do not appear to have been satisfied with the 
 conduct of Major-Gen eral Sheafte in this affair; and, 
 although it was not ascertained whether his removal 
 was the result of the displeasure of the commander- 
 in-chief, he was replaced in June or July by Major- 
 General de Rottenburg, and on his arrival in the 
 Lower Province he assumed the command of the 
 troops in tlie district of Montreal. f As the number 
 of the American troops, although all wore not landed, 
 exceeded that of the British in proportion of nearly 
 three to one, the dissatisfaction of the inhabitants of 
 York certainly docs seem, at this distance of time, to 
 Lave been unreasonable; and if ttiis were the onlv 
 cause for removing Sir Jloger Sheaffe, we conceive 
 that he was treated with harshness and injustice ; 
 although, on the other hajid, we believe that he was 
 in the same category as very many other officers, 
 who, however well they may discharge subordinate 
 duties, are unequal, in an emergence like this, to the 
 complicated functions of the command of an army 
 and the government of a province. A few months 
 after, the Baron de Rottenburg was in his turn suc- 
 ceeded by Lieut.-General Gordon Drummond, who 
 commanded in Upper Canada to the end of the war, 
 having been sent out from England expressly for that 
 purpose in the Ethalion frigate, with a strong convoy 
 for Quebec, in the autumn of 1813, and accompanied 
 by Major-General Rial), as his second in command. 
 
 ment, who behaved with preat, gi' 
 in a wood, and a^'ain fur not reli 
 of a powder masaviine had destro. 
 into confusion." — Quartirly lieview. 
 
 * PictoriulHistory of En^ln id. 
 
 "y, were exposed to be cut to pieces 
 
 ; to the attack, after the explosion 
 
 . jO of the enemy, and thrown them 
 
 t Christie's Memoirs, before cited. 
 
 I 
 
ir sliips. 
 
 and left 
 nn consi- 
 nericans, 
 id sailed 
 )itaiits of 
 with the 
 lir; and, 
 
 removal 
 imander- 
 V Major- 
 il in the 
 :l of the 
 
 number 
 t lauded, 
 )f nearly 
 jitants of 
 
 time, to 
 the only 
 conceive 
 tijustice ; 
 t he was 
 
 officers, 
 jordinate 
 s, to the 
 an army 
 ' months 
 urn sue- 
 nd, who 
 the war, 
 ' for that 
 I convoy 
 rnpanied 
 nmand. 
 
 !ut to pieces 
 le explosion 
 irowri ihem 
 
 H'fore cited. 
 
 SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 3C)5 
 
 We have alluded (paf,'e 'iOO) to the discomfiture 
 of Sir George Provost before Sackett's Harbour, 
 that naval arsenal whoso destruction Major-General 
 Brock was so unfortunately prevented from under- 
 taking. The g'overnor-gctieial having proceeded in 
 Mav, 181'3, from Montreal to Kini;stou with Sir James 
 Yeo, who had just arrived from England to com- 
 mand the British navnl forces on the lakes — the 
 squadron on Lake Ontario now consisting of two 
 ships, a brig, and two schooners — the public was on 
 the tiptoe of expectation for some decisive dash on 
 the enemy's flotilla on that lake. An attack upon 
 Sackett's Harbour, in the absence of their fleet at 
 Niagara, was resolved upon, so as to destroy " the 
 forts, the arsenals, and the dock-yard, Avhere the 
 Americans had a frigate almost ready for launching, 
 and several other vessels ; but when this wavering 
 and spiritless general reconnoitred the place, he 
 would not venture an attack, and returned across the 
 water towards Kinjxston. Then he changed his mind 
 and went back to Sackett's Harbour ; and (but not 
 without more wavering and loss of time) our troopi', 
 about 7oO strong, were landed. The Americans were 
 presently driven at the bayonet's point into some 
 loop-holed barracks and forts ; and so panic-stricken 
 were they, that they immediately set fire to their new- 
 frigate, their naval barracks and arsenal, and destroy- 
 ed a gun-brig and all tlie stores wbich liad so recently 
 been captured at York. While the arsenal was in 
 flames, while the Americans were flying through the 
 village, and when the complete success of the assail- 
 ants was certain. Sir George Prevost sent a precipi- 
 tate order for retreat, merely because a momentary 
 resistance was oifered by a party of Americans, who 
 had taken refuge in the log-barracks ! The British 
 troops reluctantly obeyed their general's order and 
 returned to their boats, men and officers being acutely 
 sensible to his folly, and wondering by what means 
 so incompetent a commander had been placed over 
 
 ,/ 
 

 :3(J() 
 
 I.IIE AXT) COHHESPO.NDENCE OF 
 
 I ,! 
 
 ?l i. 
 
 hi 
 
 I I! 
 
 
 
 ' I 
 
 them. If Sir Geornr Prcvo^t Imd sliidicd the liistorv 
 of tiic war of" the Aniericim revolution, it couhl only 
 iiavc been with an eye to co|>y all the indneislons and 
 blunders of the fornialiisinfj, badlv instructed Jilnijlish 
 f^enerals of that period. But the Howes, Clintons, 
 and Burgoynes, were at least always ready to fight. 
 As soon as the Americans could believe that the 
 English were really abandonlnj:^ their enterprise at 
 ihe moment that it was all but completed, they 
 rushed back to stop the conflagration : they were too 
 late to save the stores which had been brouglit from 
 York, the navy bari-acks, or the brig, but the frigate 
 on the stocks, being built of green wood, would not 
 easily burn, and was found but little injured. If the 
 destruction at Sackett's Harbour had been completed, 
 ■we should have dejirived the Americans of every 
 prospect of obtaining the ascendancy on the lake."* 
 And, as if to crown this mi>erable failure, the details 
 were narrated by the adjutant-general, in a dispatch 
 to Sir George Prevost, as if Colonel Baynes had 
 commanded in chief, and the governor-general had 
 been present as a mere spectator If 
 
 From these humiliating occurrences on Lake On- 
 tario, we turn to tlie captured post of Detroit, which, 
 it will be remembered, was left by Major-General 
 Brock in charge of Colonel Proctor. No sooner 
 liad intelligence of the surrender of Hull reached 
 Washington, than the renewal of the North-Western 
 army for the recovery of the Michigan territory be- 
 came the anxious object of the American government. 
 That army, which eventually outnumbered the former 
 
 * Extract from the Pictorial History of England. 
 
 + "SirGeorKf Prevost was hejoiul all doubt the 
 of this expedition. Hut lu found it foiiveuient 
 character; and the only detail of oporafioiis was 
 patch from the adjiit;uit-(»:».iKral to liiuiself, obli 
 wiiat was already sufhcieiitly known to him. Uy 
 lie in some measure averted the exposure of mis 
 and generously yiehh d liis laure.N, sucli as they w 
 submissive follower." — (Juurtfj-l;/ Uecieiv. 
 
 immediate commander 
 not to appear in that 
 
 in the sliape of a dis- 
 g-iiigly communicating 
 
 this ingenious device, 
 carriage from himself, 
 ere, to his grateful and 
 
! 
 
 tlie ])istory 
 could only 
 !oisj"oiis and 
 ted Ji^nijlish 
 S Clintons, 
 ly to figlit. 
 that the 
 itrrprise at 
 leted, they 
 iv were too 
 )uj3^ht from 
 the fn'o-ate 
 would not 
 3d. If the 
 completed, 
 > of every 
 he lake."* 
 the details 
 a dispatch 
 aynes had 
 ^neral had 
 
 Lake On- 
 lit, which, 
 3r-GeneraI 
 N^o sooner 
 11 reached 
 h-Western 
 rritory be- 
 'vernment. 
 the former 
 
 te fommandcr 
 ppear in that 
 liape of a dis- 
 iminunicatin^ 
 :nious device, 
 from himself, 
 s grateful and 
 
 SIR [SAAC nnocK. 
 
 '3Cu 
 
 one, was placed uitfler the coniiirind of Major-Gcneral 
 Harrison, (who died a few years since, while pret^ident 
 of the I'nilod States,) and in Scpteniher was in full 
 march for the Miami (or ]M,nunee) rapids, the spot 
 assigned as the njeneral rentlezvous. In January, 1813, 
 Colonel Proctor received information that a brigade 
 of that urniy, iitidir Briga;lier Winchester, was en- 
 cam))cd at Frenchtown, on the river Raisin. 40 miles 
 south of Detroit. Tiie liritish commander, although 
 he had orders not to act on ilie offensive, jiromptly 
 determined to attack this brigade before it was rein- 
 forced by die main body, a lew days march in the 
 rear; and with his disposable torce, consisting of 500 
 regulars, militia, and seamen, he made a resolute 
 assault, at dawn <'ii the 2'i(l, on the enemy's camp, 
 wliich was completely successful. In this ufl'air, the 
 Americans lost between and 400 men killed; and 
 Brigadier 'Winchester, 3 field otfii^ers, 9 captains, '20 
 subalterns, and upwards of -vOO 7ncn, in prisoners. 
 This gallant evploit secured Detroit from any imme- 
 diate danger, but the day after it was sadly tarnished 
 by the straggling Indians, who massacred such wound- 
 ed j)risoners as were unable to walk, the guard left 
 for their protection deserting their charge on a false 
 alarm of General Harrison's approach. This success, 
 for which Colonel Proctor was immediately j)romoted 
 to the rank of brigadier, together with t!ic spoil 
 obtained at Fretichtown, brouglit down several warlike 
 tribes of Indians from tlie river Wabash, and even 
 from the more distant Mississippi, to join the British 
 standard. Towards the cud of March, Proctor learnt 
 that General Harrison intended to eommcnce active 
 ojierations for the recovery of the Michigan territory, 
 on the arrival of considerable reinforcements, which 
 he was expecting. Resolved to try the issue of ano- 
 ther attack before tlie enemy, already much superior 
 in numbers, gained a fresh acquisition of strength, 
 Proctor embarked at Andierstburg with 520 regulars 
 and 400 militia, and made for the mouth of the Miami, 
 
 V 
 
 1 (: 
 
 i :* 
 
. I 
 
 308 
 
 I.TFi; AND CORnrSPONDENCE OP 
 
 fl>' 
 
 '!i •. ;l 
 
 ; :}l ; 
 
 f ■] 
 
 (or Maiimoo, ) whicli falls into Lake Erie. He as- 
 cended tliat rivor, about 1,200 Indians co-operatin;^ 
 with him, and landed his troops, stores, and ordnance, 
 on Ihe 2Sth of'Aj>ril, near I'ort Meigh, (about twelve 
 miles from its mouth, ) mountinj^ ei<j;htecn p;uns, which 
 lie cannonaded iVoni both banks of the Miauji. On 
 the r)th of May, the enemy's lonn^-expeeted reinforce- 
 ments, under Brigadier Clay, «!arne suddenly down 
 the river ; llioy were 1,300 stron^^, but newly-raised 
 militia ; and as the boats drew near, Harrison ordered 
 Clay to storm the British batteries on the op]iuiito or 
 north side of the river, while a sortie was made from 
 the fort for the purpose of capturinjj; the three British 
 ^uns on the southern bank. For a short period, the 
 British batteries on both sidt.vs were in tiie Jiands of 
 the enemy, but they were cjuickly rejijained by bayonet 
 charges J and on the north bank Colonel Dudley, after 
 .spiking the captured guns, having marched with 4<X) 
 men to attack the British cnmp, was drawn into an 
 ambuscade by the Indians, and himself and about 
 half his men were slain. Of the Americans, about 
 r)50 men were made ])risoners, and tlieir killed and 
 wounded Avere estimated at nearly as many more. 
 The far-famed Tecumseh* buried his tomahawk in the 
 head of a Chippawah chief, whom he found actively 
 engaged in massacring some of the prisoners. But 
 as the Indians retired, as is their wont after success, to 
 enjoy their plunder, Tecumseh and less than twenty 
 wariiors only remaining; and as half of the militia 
 also returned to their homes. Proctor was compelled 
 to raise the siege of Fort Meigs. Having re-embark- 
 ed his small force of regulars, chietly of the 41st (the 
 Welsh) regiment, and the whole of his ordnance and 
 stores, he proceeded to Sandwich ; while General 
 
 * "Arnoiij; the fnditins that joined General Prortor from tho VVahash, 
 was tlie highly gifteci and celebrated chief, Teciinis-eh. who vinited in his 
 person all those heroic qualities which romance has even deliH^htcd to 
 attrihute to the 'children of the forest, and, with them, inti!llijj:;oiice and 
 feelings that be uiged not to the savagro. He possessed such influence 
 anionj? his brethren, that his presence was an acquisition of the utmost 
 importance."— <i«tfr/<Wv Review, Ibu;:, 
 
sill ISAAC imOCK. 
 
 3(J0 
 
 Harrison abniidonod all iiitoniiou of advnTicinpr nijain^t 
 Detroit until the American ^([uadrori liad gamed the 
 oommand of Lake Erie. 
 
 Major-General i*roctor havlni^ determined to re- 
 commence his attacks aj^airist the American North- 
 western army, wliusc head quarters Mere tlieu at 
 Seneca-town, near Sandusky Bay, uti Lake Erie, ho 
 landed a second time near Fort Meitrs late in July, 
 which he blockaded for a few days, in the hope that 
 Major-General Harrison would advance to its relief; 
 but the latter was too wily lo trust to the issue of a 
 conflict with the Indians in the woods, which sur- 
 rounded the fortress. A stratagem was then tried by 
 the Indians under Tecuinseh, to provoke the garrison 
 to a sortie, by firini;- briskly for sonic time, and then 
 retreating, as if a reinforcement from Sandusky was 
 endeavouring to ti'^ht its way into the fort ; and so 
 well was the rune managed, that (reneral Clay could 
 scarcely prevent liis ni-ju from sallying out to assist 
 their supjiosed friends. The Indians were now con- 
 vinced that nothing was to be done again>,t Fort 
 Meigs, and many of them hastily returned to A»r- 
 herstburg. Proctor next re -embarked his troops, 
 and landed on the 1st of August near the Sandusky 
 river, investing immediately, with nearly 400 regulars 
 and between 200 and •M)0 Indians, Fort Stopiionson, 
 about eighteen miles from its mouth. On the 2d, a 
 fire was opened from two O-pounders and two o^-inch 
 howitzers against the fort, which appears to have 
 possessed only one masked 0-poi«nder, and to have 
 been garrisoned by about 180 la ■ i, under Major 
 Croghan ; but as the fire produced no impression, the 
 place was ordered to be stormed. The assailants 
 reached the ditcli which was raked by the masked 
 gun, and sustained m consequence so severe a loss, 
 that they retreated precipitately, liaving their gallant 
 leader, Brevet Lieut. -Colonel Short, of the 41st, 
 with 3 officers and 52 men, killed or missing, besides 
 3 officers and 38 men wounded ; while the Americans 
 
 
■ F 
 
 If 
 
 :i70 
 
 I.IFL) AND COHUrSPONDMNCE 01' 
 
 ; I • 
 
 t ■■ 
 
 liad onlv 1 killed mul 7 slif^Iitly womulod ; and iioi- 
 vvithstaiidiii:; aoiiK* of tiieir historidiis have been hoiu- 
 bastic enough lo coniparo the dnfonco of ibis littlo 
 fort to tbat of I lie |(USi» of Tlicrruopylir, probably 
 oonceivir){5 also Major (.'roglian to be anotlier Lco- 
 nidas. The Iiidiatis did not assist in the assault, Avitii- 
 (Irawiiif^ to a ravine out of gun sli it. Tiius foiled, 
 Proctor retired on the J3d, and after abandorung 
 " considerable baggaoe and a j;un-boat laden Avitli 
 cannon ball,' lie returned to Andierstbiirg. The 
 attack is said, even by the British, to have been 
 *' ill digested," and the expedition to have ended Avitli 
 '' some disgrace." * 
 
 Towards die end of August, (1813,) the American 
 squadron, under Commodore Perry, became too ])ow- 
 erful for the Jiritisl), under Captain JJarclay, -vvho 
 now remained ut Amherstburg to await the equipment 
 of the Detroit, recently launched. The British forces 
 in the neighbourhood falling short of various supplies, 
 for which they depended chiefly upon the licet, Cap- 
 tain Barclay bad no other allernative than to risk a 
 general engagement. With this purpose be sailed on 
 the 0th of September, with his small s(iuadron wetch- 
 edly manned, and the next day encountered the enemy. 
 For some time the fate of the battle poised in favor of 
 the British, as the principal American ship, the Law- 
 rence, struck her colours; but a sudden breeze turned 
 tlie scale against them, and the whole of their squa- 
 dron was compelled to surrender, alter a desperate 
 engagement of upwards of three bonrs. Caj)tain 
 Barclay was dangerously wounded; Captain Finnis, 
 of the (Jucen Charlotte, killed; and every comman- 
 der and officer second in command was either killed 
 or wounded. 
 
 Major-General Proctor's army was deprived, by 
 this disastrous defeat, of every prospect of obtaining 
 
 * "Tl'.e retreat of Proctor was precipitate. It is difficult to acconnt for 
 his Iciiving' a smi-boat in the possession of the victors, as it was not 
 exposed to the fire of tlie fort." — lirown's Americnn Ilinlori/. 
 
 
1 
 
 III ; and iiot- 
 v'O bi'cn boni- 
 ot' this littlo 
 lir, probably 
 imotlicr Lco- 
 assaiilt, wilh- 
 Tliiis Ibilod, 
 abiindoniiif:^ 
 t lacb^n with 
 tbiD'g. Tlie 
 have been 
 ended with 
 
 he American 
 line too ]K)w- 
 tarcbiy, -vvho 
 10 equipment 
 Jritish forces 
 ons supplies, 
 le Heet, C ap- 
 ian to risk a 
 he sailed on 
 dron wctch- 
 d the enemy, 
 d in favor of 
 ip, tlie Law- 
 reeze turned 
 f their squa- 
 a desperate 
 I's. Ca])taiu 
 itain Finnis, 
 ry com man- 
 either killed 
 
 le[)rived, by 
 of obtaining 
 
 lit to arconnt for 
 s, as It was not 
 
 M\\ ISAAC liliO' K, 
 
 371 
 
 ] 
 
 its necessary suppli(N throujrh Lake I'rie, and a 
 speedy retreat towards the head of Lake Ont.irio 
 became inevitable. StuiiL'' with grief aiul in(li;^Miution, 
 Tecuiiiseh at first refuso'l to iigree to the measure ; 
 and in a council of war held at .VnilnTstburfj^ on the 
 18th of Soptembor, he delivered his sentiments aiiiiinst 
 it in the following extemporaneous oration, which 
 combines so much pathos and dignity minj^led \s\\.\\ 
 sarcasm and reproach — so atlectiii^ a recital of j)ast 
 injury and correct an apprr hension of future abaiulon- 
 ment — such a rcli|:;ious I'ervour and resiirnalion to 
 the Divine will — that it must command for this un- 
 lettered chief the love and resjiect of the g'ood and 
 brave; and vet the harangue, simply eloquent as it 
 is, surters under all the (lHadvantu<res of translation, 
 and is indecMl but the shadow of the substarjce, because 
 the gestures and commandin|T jiresence, the intonation 
 and rounded jieriods of the speaker, arc neither heard 
 nor seen : 
 
 Father, listr-n to your tihilurt'ii ! jou liavc tlicm now all 
 before you. 
 
 The war before tliis, our British fatlicr gave the. hatcJiet to 
 his red cliildroii, wlien our olil cliicfs were nlive. They are 
 now dead. In that war our fallicr was thrown on Jiis back 
 by the Americans, and our father took them by the liand 
 without our knowiedf^e ; and ne are afraid tlmt our father 
 win do so again at this tiun-. 
 
 The summer before last, when I came forward svith my red 
 brethren, and was ready to take up the liatchet in favor of 
 our IJritiih father, we were told not to be in a hurry, — that 
 he had not yet detormiued to ti'^ht tlie Aiaericans. 
 
 Listen! When war was declared, our lather stood up an.l 
 gave the omaliawk, and toUl us that he was then ready to 
 strike the Americans; that he wantf;d our assistance; and 
 that he would certainly get us back our huids, which the 
 Americans had taken from us. 
 
 Listen I You told us, at tliat time, to bring forward our 
 families to this place, and we did so ; and you prouusJed to 
 take care of them, and that they should want for nothing', 
 while the men would go and fight the enemy ; that we need 
 not trouble ourselves about the eneniy's garrisons j that we 
 knew nothing about them, and that our father would attend 
 to that part of the contest. You also told your red children 
 
 \ 
 
 \- L 
 
I ' 
 
 
 ' ( !'- I 
 
 a7i 
 
 Lii n ANp roimr.si'ONDKNfF; of 
 
 tlnit yon would take tjoud oare of your garrison hero, which 
 jniu\i: our liearts ^iud. 
 
 Li!(t»'ii ! ^Vhl.•ll wc wero hist at tlio Itupids, it is true we 
 L'avt' yuii hulc assistiiiiet'. It is hard to rty;lit pciople who live 
 iik<? gToMiid lioy,!!.* 
 
 Futlit'r, liedt'ii ! Our tlcct lia» goii«.' out ; wo know thov 
 Jiavc foij'^ltt; we have lienrd tlit» ^rrcat uuhh ; but wc kuo\/ 
 Tiotiiiiij: of wluit IiiiH li!»|ip«'ii»f(i to our talluT with tiiaf arm. 
 Our hliips have t^oiif one way, mid vk; ur<i mui'li ostonished 
 to see «iur falhcr tyiu'^ up evnry lliiriiif and preparing; to run 
 away tlic other, wiliiout l(.'tliii<>' ids red ciiildren know what 
 liis inU'iiiions are. YfMi always fohl ii« to rt-uKiin liere and 
 ttike (Mire of our lanils ; it made our liearts ^lad lo licar tlnit 
 was your wish. Our siroat t'allier, tiie king, is the head, and 
 you represent him Y;)u always told us lluit yc u would never 
 draw your l')ot otl' nritish ground ; hut now, iatlier, we sco 
 you arc drawing back, and we are sorry to observe our lather 
 <h)ini; so without se('in<j; the eiicrny. We innst (?om[)are our 
 intiier's conduct to a hit dog', that carru::* its tail upon its 
 hack, hut, wlicn aHViglited, it drops it between ita legs, aud 
 runs off". 
 
 Father, listen ! The Americans have not yet defeated lis 
 by land ; neillier are wc sure tbat they have done so by water: 
 wr t/wri'f'iivt! ivisii to remain and fiijlit our ciiorny, sliould they 
 viakv. their nftjnunnicv. If they defeat us, we will tlicn retreat 
 with our father. 
 
 At llio battle of the Rapids, last war, Iho Americans cer- 
 taitdy defeated ns ; and, when we retreated to our father's 
 fort in the iieijj-libourhood, the ejates were shut nj^ainst us. 
 ■\V e were atraid that it wuuld atraiu be the case; but, instetid 
 of closini^ the gates, we now see our Dritish father preparing 
 to march out of his ^arrison. 
 
 Father! Vou have ^ot the arms and ammunition which 
 our great father sent for his red children. If you intend to 
 retreat, give them to us, and ynu may go, and welcome for 
 ns. Our lives are in the hands of the Great Spirit. We are 
 determined to defend our land:?, and if it be His will, we wish 
 to leave our bones upon them. 
 
 The bulk of General Harn'soivs army, amounting 
 alto^^olhor to fully G,OCK) mon, was transported in 
 boats on the 'Jlst find 'i^cl of September from the 
 mouth of the Portage river to Put-hi-Bat/ island, 
 10 miles distant, while Colonel Jolinsoti's njounted 
 regiment, consisting of upwards of 1,0(M) horsemen., 
 
 * Metaphor apart— people who secure themselves hy deep tntreuchments. 
 
or 
 
 iun licro, wliich 
 
 s, it is true we 
 people who live 
 
 we know tlioy 
 ; but wo kuo\j 
 Willi that arm. 
 nu'li tisfoni.ilied 
 n-piiriii;; to run 
 roll know what 
 t!iuiiin hore and 
 lad to liear tiiat 
 H tlir head, and 
 'VAi would never 
 , father, we sec 
 st'rv(! our father 
 i&t eompare our 
 t» tail upon its 
 m it:4 leg.'', and 
 
 yet defeated us 
 »ne flo by water : 
 my, should ilicy 
 will then retreat 
 
 Araerioans cer- 
 tu our father's 
 hut ftgainst us. 
 e ; but, instead 
 ather preparing 
 
 nunition which 
 f you intend to 
 id welcome for 
 Spirit. We are 
 is will, we wish 
 
 |v, amounting 
 ansported in 
 jer from the 
 Jia]i islaiid, 
 3n's mounted 
 JO horsemen., 
 
 :p tntrcuchments. 
 
 sri* is.\.\fj nuocK. 
 
 n.) 
 
 proceeded from Fort Meinrs \\\ land to Detroit. The 
 troo[)s were detained two davs in l*fit-in-lhni hy 
 unf'avorubU' ^vinds, hut they ro-emhitrked on the '.iwlli, 
 uiul in the evenint' reaehed a small islainl conraininu 
 only three or four aen^s, eallrd llio hUisd'm Sisft r^ 
 IS miles iVom Amher.-fhurn and 7 iVom tlie coast. 
 On the 'iHili it blew ho t'n.'sli, lliaf, it heoame net.'cs^'ary 
 to iiuul up the boats, to j»revent tlieir staviujX. The 
 next day llie troops j)r()<'oede(l in ](.» vessels of war 
 and about KH) boats, aii<l lantled at 4 o'eiock, p. in. 
 three miles I'rom AtnherstburuS whieh they imme- 
 diately oecupied, I'roctor havin;:; previously falhn 
 back upon Sandwich, after settinfj tire to the navy 
 yard, barracks, and puliiic stores at the former place. 
 The British ^'cneral, seeing; the enemy determined to 
 follow up his tirst success by an immediate attack 
 upon Detroit,* ami bein*^ unable with his very inferior 
 numbers to dispute the occupancy of that post, eva- 
 cuated it and Sandwich on the '2(>th, also destroyiufj 
 the public property at I'oth posts ; and commenced 
 liis retreat on the evenitifj^ of the 'iTtli, alouf^ the river 
 Thames, with scarcely tMlOofticers and privates, chiefly 
 of »,hc 4l3t re^nment. In this reverse of fortune, 
 Tccumseli si ill adhei-ed to tlie Britisli standard with 
 unswerving fidelity, and with the India, s covered 
 the retreat. On the '2d of October, Genen I Harrison 
 procjcded from Sandwich in pursuit with about JJjAOO 
 men, accorni)anied part of the way i)y tliree gun- 
 boats and a number of bateaux up the Thames, which 
 is a fine deep stream, naviprable foi vessels of a cour 
 siderable burthen. On the 'Jd and 4th, the Americans 
 succeeded in capturing a few prisoners, a large num- 
 ber of muskets, and two*24-pounders, with a quantity 
 of balls and sliells — this exclusive of three boats 
 
 * "Mo jilace in llio ITnUcd Stati's j)ri'senfs siicli a series of events in- 
 tercstinj;: in tlien solves, and !)erinan(!ntly aftVctine:, an they oeeurred, 
 both it.*^ prijiiros unci pro^perity. Five limes its flag lias ehan^ed ; three 
 different sdvereigntie.s have claimed its allttfianee : and sinee it has been 
 held by the United .States, its government has been thrice transferred 
 twice it has been besieged by tlie Indians, once eaj)tured in war, and 
 ouce burned to the ground." — Hisluricul Ulctc/ieii of Michigan. 
 
!^ 
 
 ; f-V. 
 
 k 
 
 IP. 
 
 
 
 I- ;._ 
 
 ! 1, 
 
 
 M 
 
 
 :)74 
 
 LIFE AND COllHF.SPONDENCE 01' 
 
 laden with arms and ordnance, and other stores, 
 wliich were set on fire by tlie Britisli. On the rnorn- 
 inrj of the 0th, the pursuit was ean;erly renewed, and 
 before nine o'clock two gun-boats, and several ba- 
 teaux, were captured, with which the American army 
 was enabled to cross over to the right or opposite 
 bank of the river, when it was ascertained that tlie 
 British were halted in a jiosition twelve miles higher, 
 and scarcely two miles from the Moravian village, 
 (an Indian settlement, eighty miles from Sandwich,) 
 to prevent, if possible, the further advance of the 
 enemy. Proctor's entire force now musteied barely 
 850 regulars, including nearly 100 in th ; liospital, 
 and perhaps 1,000 I ndiaris.* The former were drawn 
 up in a straggling wood, in open files and in two 
 lines, their left secured by the river, a gun fianking 
 the road, and their right extending towards the 
 Indians, who were posted wliere the wood thickened, 
 so as to form a retiring angle with them, and to turn 
 the enemy's flank on their advance. The extreme 
 riffht of the allies was, moreover, covered bv an 
 impassable swamp, and, thus flanked, the position 
 was calculated to render the immense superiority of 
 the pursuing force in a great degree unavailing. This 
 description of the battle field was apparently fur- 
 nished by Major-Gencral Proctor, or his friends, to 
 the Quarterly Review, and it is confirmed by an 
 American account before us ; but, on his court mar- 
 tial,!" he was found guilty of having " neglected to 
 
 * The Qviarterly Review says, that not more than 500 warriors remained 
 with Tecumseh. (iuiieral Harrison states, in his dispatch, thtit tliere 
 were considerably upwards of 1,000 Indians in the action -, and Sir licorpre 
 Vrevost mentions, tliat l.'JOO Indian warriors accompanied the Hritisti 
 army on its retreat — so ditHcult is it to arrive at the truth. The Quarterly 
 Review estimates Proctor's force at only SOO ejfhuives, whereas (iOO regu- 
 lars were made prisoners, and 2H\ escaped 1 
 
 t By tlie court martial lield at Montreal, in December, 1814, and January, 
 1815, on Major-General Proctor, lie was adjudged " to Ije publicly repri- 
 manded, and to be suspended from raiili and pay tor the period of six 
 calendar months," Owing' to some informality in the proceedings, the 
 prince regent only confirmed the former part of the sentence, but con- 
 veyed at the same time his iiigli disapprobation of Major-Geueral Proctor's 
 conduct. 
 
SIR ISA.U JiROLK. 
 
 •)■-■ - 
 
 •tlicr stores, 
 ► ii tlio rnoni- 
 enowod, and 
 
 several ba- 
 icrican army 
 
 or opposite 
 r)cd tliat the 
 niles liif^her, 
 v'ian vlUai^e, 
 
 Sandwich,) 
 ariee of tlie 
 teicd barely 
 ;h'; hospital, 
 
 were drawn 
 and in two 
 nin ilankinir 
 towards the 
 1 thickened, 
 
 and to turn 
 .'he extreme 
 cred. by an 
 the position 
 iperiority of 
 lilinff. This 
 arently fur- 
 friends, to 
 nied bv an 
 
 court mar- 
 iieglected to 
 
 irriors remained 
 itcli. thrit there 
 and SirCjeorpe 
 lied the Hritisli 
 The Quarterly 
 icreas (ioo regu- 
 
 N.aiidJanuary, 
 publicly repri- 
 le period of six 
 roceedings, the 
 tetice, but con- 
 eneral Proctor's 
 
 occupy the heights above tlie Moravian villaije, al- 
 thoufrh he had previously removed his ordnance, 
 with the exception of one O-pounder, to that position, 
 where, by throwing up works, he might have awaited 
 the attack of the enemy, and engaged them to great 
 advantage ; and tiiat after the intelligence had reached 
 him of the approach of the enorny on the morning of 
 the said f'jtli of October, he halted the said division, 
 notwithstanding It was within two miles of the said 
 villarje, and formed it in a situation hiirhlv nnfavor- 
 able for receiviri;:; the attack." The enemv com- 
 meneed the attack at four o'clock, p. m., with a 
 regiment of mounted riflemen, the clit<; o»' their army, 
 formed into two divisions ot" 500 men each, one of 
 which charged the regulars with great impetuosity, 
 while the other advanced with a company of foot 
 a^rainst the Indians. The regulars, dissatisfied by 
 fancied or real neglect, and dispirited by long conti- 
 nued exposure and privation, made but a very feeble 
 resistance ; their ranks were pierced and broken, and, 
 being placed between two iires, they immediately 
 surrendered; with the trifling loss of 1*2 killed and 
 22 wounded, the Jiritish general and a part of the 
 troops seeking safety in flight.* But the Indians car- 
 ried on the contest with the left of the American line 
 wHli great determination, and did not retreat until 
 the day was irretrievably lost, and 33 of their num- 
 bers had been slain, including the noble Tecumseh — 
 a warrior not less celebrated for his courage than for 
 his humanity, his eloquence, and his influence over 
 the different tribes. + The Americans returned to 
 Sandwich iramodiatelv after the action, in which thev 
 
 * "The ardour which had, till the fatal nth of October, ilistinguishcd 
 tlie Ust regiment, arTnrds u strou;: belief it was not cowardice that made 
 that corps surrentier so lamely, no matter to what superiority of force. 
 The privations the troops had undergone, and the marked neglect which 
 had been shewn at head quarters to the representations of th.eir com- 
 mander, had probably possessed them with an idea, that any change would 
 be an improvement in their condition." — James' Military Occurrrnces. 
 
 <■ " Had th€ men of the 41st regiment at all emulated the Indians, the 
 fate of the day might have been changed."— -/iirf. 
 
V ! 
 
 .'37G 
 
 LITE AM) COnnESPONDENCli OF 
 
 kiln 'I 
 
 ',; 
 
 It 
 
 \,' 
 
 had only 7 killed and 22 wounded. Proctor, who 
 until this retreat possessed the reputation of an active 
 and zealous officer, is accused of leavinj^ entire the 
 bridges and roads in the rear of his retiring army, of 
 encumhering it with a cumbrous quantity of his own 
 personal baggage, and of unnecessarily lialting the 
 troops for several whole days ; and certain it is that 
 his defeat led to the harshest recrimiiuition between 
 Sir George Prevost and himself. The general order 
 of the former on the subject was of unparaHeled 
 severity, as he said : " On this disgraceful day up- 
 wards of GOO officers and soldiers were taken pri- 
 soners almost without a struggle, of whom but very 
 few appeared to have been rescued by an honorable 
 death from the ignominy of passing under the Ame- 
 rican yoke, nor are there many whoso wounds plead 
 in mitigation of tliis reproach." * The fugitives 
 made the best of their wav to Ancaster, at the head of 
 Lake Ontario; and on the 17th of October they 
 numbered there 240, including the general and 17 
 officers. The consequence of these disasters was tiie 
 relinquishment, by the British, of the Michigan terri- 
 tory, with the exception of Michilimackinac ; the 
 abandonment of the posts in Upper Canada to the 
 westward of the Grand River, or Ouse; and the loss 
 of the services of the whole of the north-western 
 Indians, with the exception of 200 or 300, who sub- 
 sequently joined the centre division of the army.f 
 
 General Harrison, after garrisoning Detroit and 
 Amherstburg, and discharging his Ohio and Kentucky 
 
 * Killed, wounded and missing-, in the retreat and in the action of the 
 ftth of October, 1813 : 1 inspecting field ofticer, 1 deputy assistant quarter- 
 master-pencrai, I fort adjutant, 1 hospital mate, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 
 <) captains, \'i lieutenants, ;i ensig:ns, 1 ))aymaster, 1 assistant-surgeon, 
 •Jl sergeants, 13 drummers, 5j9 rank and rile, -iti horses ; total, officers and 
 privates, (i34. 
 
 t " The reader now sees the fatal consequences ; first, of not having, 
 in the antumn of 1812, destroyed the two or three schooners which were 
 equipping at Buffaloe by Lieutenant Elliott, secondly, of not having, in 
 the spring of I813, secured the possession of Sackett's Harbour ; thirdly, 
 of not having, in the summer of the same year, captured or destroyed 
 the whole American rteet, as it lay, uumaaued, in Presqu'ile Harbour." — 
 James' Military Ocuvrrt-nves. 
 
STR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 377 
 
 *roctor, wl}o 
 of an Jictive 
 If; entire the 
 ing army, of 
 y of his own 
 lialtinf; tiie 
 tain it is that 
 :ion botween 
 general order 
 unparalleled 
 iful day up- 
 e taken pri- 
 ons but very 
 an honorable 
 er the Ame- 
 roiinds plead 
 'he fuGjitives 
 t the head of 
 )ciober they 
 eral and 17 
 stei's Avas the 
 chigan terri- 
 ckinac ; the 
 nada to the 
 and the loss 
 orth-westera 
 K), who sub- 
 army ,t 
 Detroit and 
 id Kentucky 
 
 ;he action of the 
 ssistant quarter- 
 uleimnt-colonel, 
 isistant-surgeon, 
 otal, officers and 
 
 of not having:, 
 ncrs which were 
 ( not having, in 
 irliour ; thirdly, 
 eel or destroyed 
 'lie Harbour."— 
 
 fe 
 
 volnnteers, embarked on the 2*2d of October, witli his 
 dirnosable re^^ular force, on board of Commodore 
 I .y's squadron, to join the troops on the Niagara 
 i atier. About the same time, the prisoners taken 
 at the Moravian-town v/ere transported by water from 
 Detroit to the yortagp. on Lake Erie, distatit 4o miles, 
 and thence marched to Franklin-town, 130 miles 
 further. Here they were sent in boats 100 miles 
 down the Scioto to Chillicothe, at which place some 
 of the sergeants and privates were detained. The 
 remainder of the prisoners again ])roceeded by the 
 Scioto to Cincinnati on the Ohio, wht;re, and at 
 New[)ort-town, a military depot, half a mile across 
 the river, nearly all the remaining non-commissioned 
 oificers and privates were retained. The small rem- 
 nant, consisting almost wholly of commissioned offi- 
 cers, proceeded to the ultimate point of destination, 
 Frankfort in Kentucky, (JOO miles from Detroit, and 
 about the same distance from the r ,'arest Atlantic port.* 
 
 Fort George was taken in May, 1813, by a large 
 American force, under General Dearborn, which 
 compelled Brigadier Vincent to withdraw his troops 
 from Fort Erie and Chippawah, and to retreat to 
 Burlington Heights, at the head of Lake Ontario, 
 the British losing o'l killed, besides U[iwards of 300 
 wounded and missing. Immediately alter the cap- 
 ture of Fort George, General Dearborn pushed for- 
 ward to Stoney Creek a body of 3,(KJ0 infantry, with 
 nine field pieces and 2o0 cavalry, for the purpose 
 of dislodging Brigadier Vincent from his position. 
 Lieut.-Colonel Harvey, f the deputy adjutant-general, 
 and a very zealous and intelligent officer, proposed a 
 night attack on this body, whicli was approved ; and 
 with the 49th, under Major Plenderleath, and five 
 companies of the 8th, under Major Ogilvie, (the 
 whole only 704 firelocks,) he led the attack in gallant 
 
 * James' Military Occiirrencs. 
 
 + Tlie present Major-Ueneral Sir John Harvey, K. C. B. 
 
 !./■ 
 
378 
 
 LIFE AND CORUESPONDENCE OP 
 
 il 
 
 
 11 
 
 -11 
 
 ! 1 
 
 Style ; and at two o'clock on the morninj^ of the Gth 
 of June, the British, with fixed bayonets, rushed 
 into the centre of the American camp. The enemy, 
 although completely surprised, evinced a highly cre- 
 ditable state of order and discij)line in repeatedly 
 forming, though compelled as often to disperse before 
 the resistless power of the British bayonet. Two 
 brigadiers, (Chandler and Winder,) 7 other officers 
 and 116 men, with three guns and one brass howitzer, 
 were taken in this intrepid attack, which, as it reduced 
 the Americans from offensive to defensive operations, 
 was of the greatest importance to the salvation of the 
 Upper Province. The enemy, however, occupied 
 Fort George till the month of December, when they 
 were compelled to evacuate it and retreat across the 
 Niagara.* In that month. Colonel Murray surprised, 
 and very gallantly captured by a night assault. Fort 
 Niagara, which was retained by the British till the 
 end of the war. 
 
 From July to September, 1814, the Canadian bank 
 of the Niagara became the theatre of a succession of 
 obstinate and san<i;iiinarv conflicts ; but the struggle 
 finally closed by leavitig the contending armies in the 
 same positions they had occupied in the preceding- 
 spring. The details of these operations are very inte- 
 resting, but we must content ourselves with stating, 
 that Upper Canada was again invaded on the 3d July 
 by General Brown, who landed with two strong 
 brigades near Fort Eric, which post was garrisoned 
 
 by only 70 men under Major B , of tlie 8th, (the 
 
 king's,) more with a view of causing a temporary 
 check to an invading ibrce than of defending it against 
 a regular siege, of which it was incapable. IJut it 
 was tamely surrendered without firing a shot, or even 
 a shew of resistance. The battles of Chippawah and 
 
 * While the Americans rotaiuPd Fort George, the {graves of Sir Isaac 
 Brock and I-ieut..(;olone) M'DunoU, iu the cavalier bastioa there, remained 
 sacred, and were aJso reapeeteii. 
 
8IH ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 379 
 
 <r of the Gtli 
 nets, rushed 
 The enemv, 
 a highly cre- 
 n repeatedly 
 sperse hefore 
 yonet. Two 
 Dlher officers 
 ass liowitzor, 
 as it reduced 
 e operations, 
 vation of the 
 er, occupied 
 r, when they 
 at across the 
 ay surprised, 
 assault, Fort 
 ritish till the 
 
 mad i an bank 
 
 succession of 
 
 the struggle 
 
 armies iu the 
 
 le preceding 
 
 ire very inte- 
 
 with stating, 
 
 1 the 3d July 
 
 two strong 
 
 is garrisoned 
 
 the 8th, (the 
 
 a temporary 
 
 ing it against 
 
 ihle. iiut it 
 
 shot, or even 
 
 lippawah and 
 
 aves of Sir Isaac 
 u there, remaiued 
 
 |„ 
 
 Lundy's Lane* followed in the same month, (July,) 
 in the latter of which the Canadian militia was con- 
 spicuous for its bravery. But " it still remains a 
 doubt to whom the vie^ory" at Lundy's Lane belong- 
 ed, as the Americans were allowed to return unmo- 
 lested to Fort Erie the next day, and the British 
 general lias been blamed for not pursuing them sharp- 
 ly, as be might have reached the fort almost as soon 
 as the enemy, and thus repossessed himself of it with- 
 out the loss of life and time attendant on a siege. f 
 On the night of the 14th August, the British attempt- 
 ed to retake Fort Erie by storm, and, after a desperate 
 conflict, succeeded in makinii; a 'odcfment, throuirh 
 the embrasures of the demi-basti< i. But a tremen- 
 dous explosion ensued, by which nearly all the troops 
 who had entered the fort were dreadfully mangled; 
 and a panic being the consequence, the assailants 
 were compelled to retire after a very severe loss. 
 Colonels Scott and Drummond beinu included amonj; 
 the killed. In September, tlie Americans were re- 
 pulsed in a sortie from Fort Erie, after which General 
 Drummond raised its investment, and fell back upon 
 Chippawah. General Brown, on finding that the 
 Aixierican squadron on Lake Ontario was incapable 
 of cO'Operating witl him, evacuated Fort Erie in 
 November, and retired to his own territory, thus 
 leavinc: the lon<>' harassed inhabitants of the Niajjara 
 district once more to tranquillity and repose. 
 
 The recovery of Michilimackinac had long been 
 seriously contemplated by the American government, 
 and would have been attempted in the fall of 18L3 
 but for the lateness of the season, when the expulsion 
 of the British from the banks of the Detroit had 
 opened the passage into Lake Huron. On the other 
 hand, the necessity of retaining a post so favorably 
 situated, if in possession of an enemy, for annoying 
 
 * The latter called by the Aiuorieans the battle of Hridgewater. 
 + A concspoiident in the United Service Magazine, June, 1845. 
 
 ■ II 
 I 
 
I 
 
 :J80 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDrNCE OF 
 
 ! *lf I 
 
 I 
 
 the British north-western trade, pressed itself on Sir 
 George Prevost ; and in April, 1814, a reinforoerncnt 
 of about 90 men, under an active and zealous ortieer, 
 Lieut. -Colonel M'Douall, was forwarded with mili- 
 tary stores and provisions, by a back route to Michi- 
 liniackinac. They embarked In twenty-four bateaux 
 from Nottawassef^a Bay on Lake Huron, distant 200 
 miles from Michilimackinac, and, after a very tem- 
 pestuous passa<Te of twenty-five days, reached the 
 fort on the 18tli of May. On the 20th of July, an 
 American expedition from Lake Erie, consistin*^ of 
 three brigs and two schooners of war, under Captain 
 Sinclair, with nearly 800 troops on board, appeared 
 off Michilimackinac, and a landinj^ was effected by 
 them on the 4th of August. The British force en the 
 island amounted to only 190 men, including regulars, 
 militia, and Indians, with which Lieut. -Colonel 
 M'Douall repulsed every effort of the Americans to 
 approach the fort ; so that they were glad to /e-em- 
 bark the same evening in the utmost haste and con- 
 fusion, leaving 17 dead on the ground, while the 
 garrison had only one Indian killed. Captain Sinclair 
 stated, what does not appear to have been known to 
 Lieutenant Hanks, when he surrendered the island in 
 1812 to Captain Roberts, " that Michilimackinac is 
 by nature a perfect Gibraltar, being a high inaccessi- 
 ble rock on every side, except the west, from which 
 to the heights you have nearly two miles to j)ass 
 through a wood so thick, that our men were shot in 
 every direction, and within a few yards of them, 
 without being able to see the Indians who did it." 
 Michilimackinac remained unmolested to the end of 
 the war, when it was restored, by the treaty of peace, 
 to its former possessors. 
 
 It has already been mentioned, that among the 
 prisoners taken at the battle of Queonstown, 23 were 
 sent to England for trial as British born subjects and 
 deserters, and that the American government had 
 
siK iSAAr nnocK. 
 
 381 
 
 itself on Sir 
 eiiiforcetnent 
 ■alons oifioer, 
 cl with inili- 
 ite to Michi- 
 foiir bateaux 
 , distant 200 
 ■ a very tem- 
 reached the 
 1 of July, an 
 consisting of 
 inder Captain 
 ird, appeared 
 IS effected by 
 1 force cu the 
 ling regulars, 
 Liieut. -Colonel 
 Americ-'ins to 
 lad to i*e-era- 
 aste and con- 
 id, while the 
 ptain Sinclair 
 een known to 
 I the island in 
 imackinac is 
 igh inaccessi- 
 ;, from which 
 miles to pass 
 were shot in 
 rds of them, 
 who did it." 
 to the end of 
 eaty of peace, 
 
 it among the 
 own, 23 were 
 1 subjects and 
 i'ernment had 
 
 plac(Hl an Gf|ual number of Britisli soldiers into close 
 conhnemcnt as liostagos. In consequence, Sir (loorge 
 Prevost, by a general order of the '27t\\ of October, 
 1813, made known that lie had received the com- 
 mands of the prince regent to jiut 4(5 American 
 officers and non-commissioned officers into close con- 
 finement, as hostages for the '23 soldiers confined by 
 the American govcrnmcni. He at the sanu; time 
 apprized that government, that if any of the British 
 soldiers should suffer death by reason of the guilt and 
 execution of the traitors taken in arms against their 
 country, he was instructed to select out of the Ame- 
 rican liosttiges douijie the number of the British 
 soldiers who might be so unwarrantably put to denth, 
 and to cause them to suffer death immediately. The 
 governor-general also notitied to the American go- 
 vernment, that in the event of their carrying their 
 murderous threat into execution, the commanders of 
 the British forces, by sea and land, were instructed 
 to prosecute the wur with unmitigated severity against 
 all the territory and inhabitnnts of the Dnited States. 
 On the 10th of December, Sir George Prevost 
 received a communication from Major-General Wil- 
 kinson by flag of truce, stating that the American 
 government, adhering unalterably to their previously 
 declared purpose, had placed 40 British officers into 
 close confinement, there to remain until the same 
 number of American officers and non-commis?ioned 
 officers were released. Anions' the officers thus con- 
 fined, Lieut. -Colonels Evans and Warburton, and 
 Captains Muir and Chambers were, with other offi- 
 cers taken prisoners at the Moravian -town, and to 
 the disgrace of the American executive, imprisoned 
 in the penitentiary at Frankfort, in Kentucky, with 
 forty convicts therein incarcerated for murder and 
 other heinous crimes ! In retaliation, the governor- 
 general ordered all the American officers, prisoners of 
 war, without exception of rank, to be placed into 
 close confinement as hostages, until the number of 40 
 
 2i 
 
382 
 
 LIFE AND COKRESPONDR.NCE OF 
 
 f! 
 
 .: i 
 
 ^■1 
 
 f-;f 
 
 
 
 M'QS completed over and above those already in con- 
 finement. Jn pursuance of tliis order, Brijjadiers 
 Winder, Chandler, and Winclioster, were confined in 
 a private house at (Quebec, with as little inconvenience 
 as their security would admit. 
 
 On the ir)th of April, 1H14, after some negotiation, 
 opened at the solicitation of the American orovernment, 
 a convention was entered into at Montreal, by wliicli 
 it was ajjrecd to release the hoslancs and to make an 
 exclianjje of prisoners, the American government 
 relinquishing its pretensions to retaliate for the pri- 
 soners sent to 1-lngland for legal trial as traitors to 
 their country. This convention was ratified in July, 
 at Champlain, near the lines ; but, whether by 
 previous agreement or tacit umlerstanding, the trai- 
 tors, we believe, cs japed the just punishment of their 
 crime. 
 
 The remaininir events of the war in Canada dnrino' 
 the campaigns of 1H12, 13, and 14, do not fall withm 
 the scoj)e of this memoir. Some we might chronicle 
 with pride, but a few we could not record without 
 shame; and, on the whole, we cannot but think that 
 the same withering influence, which bound the hands 
 and repressed the energies of " him who undoubtedly 
 was the best officer that headed our troops throughout 
 tlie war,"* Mas visible to the termination of the 
 contest — a contest in which we are satisfied the result 
 would have been very different, ** if a man of military 
 genius, courage, quickness, and decision, had held 
 the supreme command. "f Indeed, when we reflect 
 upon the management of that eventful war, we are 
 often forcibly reminded, in tljc fatal loss of Sir Isaac 
 Brock, of the pathetic lament of the gallant liigh- 
 lander,who contrasting the irresolution of his present 
 general with the deeds of his former chief, the re- 
 
 * James' Military Occarrcnccs, 
 t Pictorial History ot Englanil. 
 
w 
 
 SIR ISAAC nnorK. 
 
 383 
 
 1 ready in con- 
 ir, BrijradicTa 
 re confined in 
 inconvenience 
 
 le negotiation, 
 n government, 
 •ejil, l)y which 
 id to nial<e an 
 1 government 
 te for the pri- 
 as traitors to 
 Ltitiod in July, 
 wljolher by 
 ding, the trai- 
 hment of their 
 
 Canada during 
 not fail within 
 liillit chronicle 
 ■ecord without 
 but think that 
 mnd the hands 
 lo undoubtedly 
 :)])? throughout 
 i nation of the 
 sfied the result 
 nan of military 
 i^ion, had held 
 hen we reflect 
 il war, we are 
 iss of Sir Isaac 
 gallant liigh- 
 i of his present 
 • chief, the re- 
 
 fe i 
 
 i'y- '■ 
 
 nowned Graliarne, * Viscount Dundee, mournfully 
 exclaimed: 
 
 Oh ' for one liour of nundce ! 
 
 During liie progress of the war, the British govern- 
 ment made several overtJiros for a reconciliation ; 
 and at Icni^lh, when Napoleoti's disasters commenced, 
 and the Eastern States were threat*Miing to dissolve 
 the union, Mailison expiessed a wish to treat with 
 England, even at the end of 1H13. The negotia- 
 tions were commenced in earnest at ( ihent, in August, 
 1H14, at a time when (»r(>at liritian, being at peace 
 with the remainder of the w(M-ld, was in a condition 
 to prosecute the contest with all her energies; but her 
 people wished for repose after tne long and arduous 
 struggle in which they had been enuaged ; and a 
 treaty of peace, signed at Ghent on the *24th of De- 
 cember, was ratified by the two governments, the 
 plenipotentiaries on both sides waiving ever}' question 
 at issue before the war, and restoring every acquisition 
 of territory duriuLT its urojTress.i Thus the Americans 
 had onlv the Canadian and defenceh'ss side of the 
 Detroit to give in exchange ibr their fortress of Nia- 
 gara and their key possession of Michilimackiiuic. 
 
 Should Great Britain nnfortunately be driven into 
 another Anierican war, as is too probable amid so 
 many elements of discord, added to the reckless pre- 
 tensions of the Southern, and more especially of the 
 Western States of the Union, it is to be hoped that 
 
 * John GnUianic, of Claverhoiise, was mortally woundril at tJ.e pa's of 
 Killicrankic, in IM[), and died the next daj'. With him expin.-d he '.;ausc' 
 of James tlie Second in Scotland, as, altlioufjh tlie war tanfrui.-'lied in the 
 hiplilaiRh for two years after, notliinj; of importance occiirfd. When 
 William was nrged to send more troops into Scotland, he replied : " It is 
 unnecessary, tlie war has ended with Dundee's life." 
 
 t With Groat Britain tlu. war was purely defensive. She fought not 
 for new conquests, or to establish new claims, hut for tho protection of 
 her colonies and the maintenance of riijhts, which had received the solemn 
 contirmatiol of time. And these objects were completely secured ; the 
 ratification of the treaty of Cihent by .America was a tacit abandonment 
 of every assumption against whicti the government of this country had 
 cnntcuded—Quarlerly Jievkw, July, 1822. 
 
384 
 
 LIFE AXD rOnilESPONDENCE OP 
 
 I'-l 
 
 I; 
 
 t 
 
 i? 
 
 ■*f:i 
 
 If 
 
 ih-l 
 
 the Britisli jrovcrnmcnt will profit by the tiital expe- 
 rience of tlie past, and that it will not again seek to 
 entwine th(? olive hninch arouii'l ihc sword. The 
 prophetic words of Sir I<iaac Jir(»('k should be renirni- 
 bered when, alludinf^ to the (loudly armistice of 1812, 
 he said : " A cessation of hostilities lias taken place 
 along this frontier. Should peace follow, the mea- 
 sure will be well ; if hof^tilitii's recommence, nothing 
 can be more unfortunate than this pause.''* But 
 j)ax in. hclli) is not the shorfe!?t putii to pence, and, as 
 might have been foreseen, peace did not follow " tliis 
 pause.' If the Xorth-Eustern States, whose interests 
 and naturul sympathies incline th(?m to the British 
 alliance, cannot avert hostilities — because the Whigs, 
 as the American conservatives are termed, have lost 
 their j)roper influence, atul the dominant party of the 
 I'nion is no longer to be found in New York or New 
 England — let them sever a connection which they 
 cannot control. But if thev hesitate to do this — if 
 they prefer submitting to the rule of the lawless 
 denizen of the west, or of the more aristocratic slave- 
 holder of the south — let then the British lion be let 
 loose on them with his wonted strength, and let not 
 the Northerns be spared, who, with superior wealth 
 and intelligence, })ermit tlie backwoodsman to pro- 
 voke a war, of which the calamiiies cannot reach 
 Jiim. While Great Britain preserves her naval pre- 
 pondcance — and may she long preserve it for right- 
 eous purposes — both the Northern and Southern 
 States can be easllv assailed ; the former throufrli 
 their commercial marine, the latter in arming and 
 assisting their slaves to acquire freedom, which would 
 indeed be a holy work. Unless, however, a better 
 policy and truer economy obtain in England's coun- 
 cils, her navy will be shorn of half its power, by her 
 seamen being again driven from their country by 
 their only fear, impressment, that national stain of 
 former wars, and fighting under the American banner 
 
 * See page 285. 
 
SCE OF 
 
 by the fatal cxpe- 
 not again seek to 
 ilic sword. The 
 should be remrm- 
 nriiiistice of 1812, 
 ;s lias taken place 
 ; follow, the inca- 
 oiumonce, nothing 
 is pause."* But 
 I to peace, and, as 
 1 not follow " this 
 lea, whoso interests 
 (!Tri to tlie British 
 )ccau«e the Whigs, 
 teiMiKHl, have lost 
 iinant |)arty of the 
 Sew York or New 
 cctioii which they 
 itato to do this — if 
 de of the lawless 
 ; aristocratic slave- 
 British lion be let 
 ength, and let not 
 th superior wealth 
 woodsman to pro- 
 iiics cannot reach 
 ves her naval pre- 
 rescrve it for right- 
 ern and Southern 
 le former through 
 ter in arming and 
 Mloni, which would 
 
 however, a better 
 in England's conn- 
 f its power, by her 
 
 their country b)^ 
 national stain of 
 10 American banner 
 
 SIR ISAAC nno( K. 
 
 :W) 
 
 t 
 
 of "free trade" and "sramen's rijilds." But if 
 they be no longer tre:ited with iniustlrc and oppres- 
 sion, and their pay and rewards be wisely comnicrj- 
 Buratc with the fair and niarketahle value of tlieir 
 services — and surely the seaman of nil men is most 
 worthy of his hire, — then rnav Britons be "(Confident 
 against a world in arms," atid the sea board of the 
 Union will (]ui(;kiy aeknowledgt- the majesty of Bri- 
 tain's strength. And to ensurt; the hearty co-operation 
 of tlio Colonists in this vigorous course, as well as to 
 preserve their alleetion and allegiance, let them be 
 taught to feel that they are not cxeludcd fnuii the 
 influencjes of self-government, or from tlu; distribu- 
 tion of colonial patronage — until fecentlv their tjreat 
 causes of complaint — and that they enjoy more sub- 
 stantial liberty than in the l/nited States, where the 
 air is tainted witli slavery. Lynch or mob-law <ditains, 
 and the fair discussion of adverse opinions is prevented 
 by ruthless attacks on life and |)rof)erty. The colo- 
 nists carniot desire to incorporate themselves with a 
 peo()le who retain three millions of their fellow men 
 in bondage, and who breed slaves in one State for the 
 sujjply of another, even pfrmitling the parent to sell 
 his child ! The entire Union participates in the guilt, 
 and in vain does a single Slate \,>',^^l of its liberties, 
 while such are a f( deration's unhullo\ycd oH'erings at 
 the shrine of freedom. 
 
 Early in 181 •5, Sir George T*revost was directed 
 to return to England for the purpose of meeting ac- 
 cusations relative to his conduct at Plattsburg, which 
 Ijad been preferred by Commodore Sir Jaujcs Yeo, 
 who, after some delay, produced his charges in legal 
 form ; and to aiford time for the arrival ol' the neces- 
 sary witnesses from Canada, the general court martial 
 was postponed to the 12th of January, 1810. In the 
 mean tiuie the health of the late governor-general, 
 naturally of a delicate cast, became seriously affected, 
 partly from anxiety of mind ; and he died in his 49th 
 
'' I 
 
 38(; 
 
 MFK AND CORUESI'O.NDENCE OF 
 
 : ! I 
 
 yrar, in London, on tlic r>th of Januiiry, rxactly a 
 week prcc'i'dinf; the day a|)|)ointc'd for Ida trial, leav- 
 ing a widow, onft son, and two danj^litcrs. Previously 
 to his dopurturo from Lower Canada, the commons, 
 or Frond) party, voted him tlie miiniricent sum of 
 .£.">,<)()() for tho purchase of a service of |)iiite, as a 
 tril)Utc of respect, which vote was ap|)roved of hy the 
 j)rincc recent ; hiu the h.'f;ishitivo council, or Miifjlish 
 party, refused their assent to a l)ill for ihut pur|)ose. 
 As Sir Geor<i;e was prohably aware of this liostilc 
 feeling towards him on ihc part of the lirilish race, 
 he should have at once <lcclined the douhttiil gift, 
 and asked his supporters, as IMiocion did in Athens, 
 *' Of what indiscretion have I heen guilty V 
 
 Sir George Prevost was of sli;j;ht, diuiinutive per- 
 son, and nnsoldierlike apjiearance ; his manners are 
 represented as unassuming and social, an<l his temper 
 as placid and forgiving. His public speeches or 
 addresses arc said to have ])art;iken of even classical 
 elegance, and his dispatelu.s and general orders also 
 nilbrd proof^ of his literary ac((uiren)ents. Discredit 
 can oidy be thrown on his character as a general ; 
 and indeed his best friends must admit that his defen- 
 sive policy at the commencement of the war, and his 
 subsequent irresolution and infirmity of ))urposc, did 
 not tend cither to rnUc the ulorv of England, or to 
 advance his own fame, and that of every cntcrprizing 
 officer who served under him. And yet soon after 
 his death, notwithstanding that the lamentable failures 
 at Sackett's Harbour and Plattsburg were fresh in 
 the public recollection, new and lionorary armorial 
 bearings, with supporters, were solicited and obtained 
 by his family, in scenung approbation of his services 
 in Canada, the supporters being two grenadiers of the 
 10th foot, of which regiment Sir George was colonel, 
 each bearing a flag, gules ; the dexter flag inscribed, 
 *' AVest Indies" — the sinister, "Canada"! If these 
 distinctions were conferred in honor of his civil admi- 
 nistration, which we have already eulogized, although 
 
CE OF 
 
 titijiry, rxactly a 
 .)r lii'y triiil, If.'uv- 
 tcrti. PiTviously 
 a, llio commons, 
 iinifuieiir. sum of 
 00 of pill to, as u 
 jprovi'il of In- tlic 
 luiicil, or Kiif^lish 
 for flmt purpose, 
 •c of this lioslilc 
 the Brilisli race, 
 ho (louLtfiil gifr, 
 jn «li<l iu Athens, 
 
 jruilty ?" ^ 
 , (liniinntlvo per- 
 hih manners are 
 il, an<l his temper 
 iblio speeclies or 
 of even classical 
 iiieral orders also 
 nents. Discredit 
 ler as a fjeneral ; 
 nit that his defen- 
 ihc war, and his 
 V of purpose, did 
 f England, or to 
 !very enterprizing 
 id yet soon after 
 inientable failures 
 ivff were fresh In 
 onorary armorial 
 ited and obtained 
 on of his services 
 __^renadiers of the 
 orge was colonel, 
 lev flag inscribed, 
 nada" ! If these 
 of his civil admi- 
 logized, although 
 
 ^#( 
 
 aiH ISA.\( UliOl K. 
 
 y^: 
 
 
 !^J 
 
 M 
 f 
 
 Others linvo stouflv ilenled him onv merit even on 
 this |)oinl, they were, we bclicvi', juHlly bosfowed ; 
 hut if th'> wvvv. intended as an approval ol" his mili- 
 tary condijct durin;jr the contest, r-ertairj it is that his 
 confenip<»rari('s indij;nrinfly refused to ooncedc his 
 claim to limn, and tiiit no historijin has as yet ad- 
 mitted that claim.* It was unfortunate for Sir (m orge 
 that ho \\n» called upon to wiige Mar against the 
 I'niled States, as his natural .ind excusfible sympa- 
 thies in favor of a people airiong whom he had been 
 born, and at. Irast partly < duealed, may have intlii- 
 enced his iiid«;mt>nt, wiihont miv coii^<;ious betraval 
 of the great charge ontrur>red to him ; and this remark 
 applies with double foree to his schoolfellow. Sir 
 Roger Sheatl'e, whose entire family and connexions 
 Were Anu'rican. in any cas(>, it was hard on Sir 
 Isaac Brock, after being retained in Canada by Sir 
 James Craig, \\]\cn he was so anxious to serve in the 
 Peninsula, because that officer could not spare him, 
 
 * Wliilo tlu'sc rcnip.rks wrrc in type, wo liciird ucridrntally of a Innjc 
 moniiiiu'iit, ill tin ratlinlral at Wiii.hi'stiT, to the mtiiiory of Sir (icortfc 
 I'rovost, Willi n laiiitatory inscriijtioii, for a f<'\i\ of whi. ii wo iMiiiicdiatoly 
 wrote to a fricml, and wtiirti wi< now tran.scriln! without ciiiiimt'iit, as wo 
 rospei't tlic tetliiiffs of coiijujial alfi'ctiou Ijy which the e|iUapti was i vl- 
 dently dictated. 
 
 " Sacred to the Memory of T,icul .-(ienornl Sir Oconre Prevost, Haronet, 
 of lU'liiioiit, in tins (.ouiity, {iovornor-dfiii ral and ( oniinander-in-Cliief 
 of tiio ]lrili'*h I'orecs in Niirth Amei'.iii; in wliicli eoninmnd, hy )iiw wise 
 and enii(r»'ti(; measures, and witli a very inferior fnree, lie jiriserveil the 
 C'aimdas to the Hritish Crown frurn thi* repeated inv;isioris of a powerful 
 enemy. His constitution at len^'tli «ank under ineossant mental and 
 bodily exertifms, in diseliarjring the duties of tliat arduous station ; und 
 havinir returned to Kntrland, ho died sliorti> afterwards in l.ondon, on 
 the .Mil of .January, iHiri, ajjed jn, thirtvl'our years of whieh had been 
 devoted to the service of his Country. He was intered near the remains 
 (it lii^. father, Major- fiencral Augustus Prevost, at East IJarnet, in Hert- 
 ford.ihire. His Royal in«:hness the Prime lle!?ciit, to evince in an espe- 
 cial nu\nner the sense he entertained of liis distini^uished conduct and 
 services during a loni? period of e(5n»taut active employment, in stations 
 of t'ri-at truHt, both Military and Civil, was |)leascd to ordain, as a histinjj 
 Memorial of His Majc-ty's Ro\al I'uvor, that the names of the Countries 
 where his C-ouratje and Abilities had been siufiially displayed — the West 
 Indies and Canada — should be inscribed on the Banners of the Sup- 
 porters, granted to be borne by his Family and Descendants. In testi- 
 mony of his Private Worth, his Piety, iritefj^rity and Uenevolence, and all 
 those tender, domestic virtues, whieh emleared him to his Family, liis 
 Children, his FrieiK's, und his Dependants, as well as to prove her un- 
 feifcned Love, (iratitude, and Kespeet, Catherine Anne Prevost, his afflicted 
 Willow, caused this Monument to be erected. Anuo Domini ijjiy, 
 
 y 
 
. • A''V*.^-. 
 
 388 
 
 MFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 -l\ 
 
 I 
 
 I .? 
 
 I 
 
 and after at length obtaining leave to return to Europe 
 for that purpose — it was liard, we repeat, when hosti- 
 lities did at last break out in America, that his ener- 
 gies should have been so cramped by the passive 
 attitude of his superior. Remembering, however, the 
 maxim, de niurtms nil niai bonum, the editor has 
 refrained from transcribing aui^ht reflecting on the 
 memory of that superior when he could do so con- 
 sistently with truth, although he feels acutely tjiat the 
 death of Sir Isaac Brock— -hastened, as he believes 
 it was, by the defi;nsive policy and mistaken views of 
 Sir George Provost — was? an irreparable loss to his 
 many brothers,*^ who were at that period just rising 
 into manhood, and in consequence required all the 
 interest for their advan(?ement which their uncle woukl 
 probably have possessed. One especially, who closely 
 resembled him both in appearance and character, and 
 who would have been an ornament to any service, 
 was compelled to embrace the profession of arms, for 
 which he had been educated, under the banners of a 
 foreign and far distant country. In that country, 
 Chile, Colonel Tupper cruelly fell at the early age of 
 twenty-nine years ; and if the reader will turn to the 
 memoir of this ilaring soldier in the Aj)pcndix, neces- 
 sarily brief as it is, he will prol)ably agree with the 
 British consul who wrote, that he had '' for many 
 years looked upon his gallant and honorable conduct 
 as rellecting lustre upon the English name;" nnd he 
 will think with the French traveller, who, after highly 
 eulogizing him, said : '' N'est-il pas deplorable que 
 de tcls hommes en soient reduits a se consacrer i\ uno 
 cause ttrungere ? " 
 
 * Fncluiling' the editor, ten; viz. two died youn/.', of scarlet fever, and 
 were buried in tlif same ooffiii j two drowned at riift'erent times j tvro 
 slain, two died at sea, while passengers on board his majesty's packets 
 from Rio de Jamiro to Falriujntb, on the same day of the same month 
 tl5th August' in different years, 1833 aud JSa; ' and only two still survive 
 
 w 
 
E OP 
 
 SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 389 
 
 oturn to P^lui'ope 
 oat, when liosti- 
 u, that his ener- 
 
 by the passive 
 ig, however, the 
 
 the editor has 
 jflectins; on the 
 ould do so con- 
 acutely tjiat the 
 1, as he believes 
 istaken views of 
 •able loss to his 
 'riod just rising 
 required all the 
 heir uncle wouUl 
 illy, who closely 
 d character, and 
 
 to any service, 
 ion of arms, for 
 the banners of a 
 n that country, 
 
 the early age of 
 
 will turn to the 
 ippcndix, neces- 
 
 agrce with the 
 had '' for many 
 norable conduct 
 name;" and he 
 vho, after highly 
 tltplorable que 
 
 consacrer i\ unc 
 
 •, ul scorkt fovcr, and 
 
 rtiffirciit times , two 
 
 his majesty's packets 
 
 ly of tV.e same month 
 
 1 only two still survive. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 (TECUMSEH.) 
 
 As the heroic and undaunted Terumseh* was so 
 conspicuous In the annals of this war for liis fidelity 
 and devotion to tiie British ?rown, and as his name 
 has occurred so often in thcso pa<j.eft, a chapter, 
 with a concluding and connected notice of him, will 
 surely be deemed but an act of jujsfice to his memory. 
 
 This renowned al)original cliief was a Shawanee, 
 and was horn in 17()9 or 1770, about the same year 
 as his *' brave brother warrior,'' Sir Isaac Brock. 
 He may be said to have been inured to war from his 
 infancy, as the Indian nations continued in iiostility 
 aijainst the United States after their independence 
 was achieved, alletjinnr that thev infrinj;ed on tiieir 
 territories. In 1790, about which period Tecumseh 
 first gave proofs of that talent and daring which so 
 distinguished his after-life, General Ilarmer was dis- 
 pat'lied with a competent force to punish the preda- 
 tory incursions of the Indians ; but he was glad to 
 return, with the loss of many of his men. In the 
 following year. General St. Clair proceeded with 
 another armv to ravaije the Miami and Shawanee 
 settlements, and was even more unfortunate than his 
 predecessor, as the Indians boldly advanced to meet 
 him on the way, attacked his eiKjampment, and put 
 his troops to a total rout, in which the greater part 
 were cut off and de&troyed. In 1794, however, a 
 
 * "Tecumseh was pronoiinccrt Terumthe, ami is said by some to have 
 signified a vrourhini^ puiitlitr ; liy others, ». jfnlling star." — yitte inTeaum- 
 seli, II Puein, by (J. H. Culton. New Yoik, 18-12. " 
 
 m 
 
> Ai^ikir»W.Vt i . * f ' < > 
 
 300 
 
 LIFE AND (ORRESPONDENCi: OF 
 
 •;l; 
 
 much more formidable expedition, under General 
 Wayne, entered tlie Indian territory ; tlie warriors 
 gradually retired as the Americans advanced, but at 
 Jeno;tii imprudently determined on making a stand. 
 In the battle which ensued, the Indians were so com- 
 pletely discomfited, that, the foUowinp; year, th>^y 
 agreed to the treaty of Greenville, by wliicli th<.\y 
 were compelled to cede a large tract of country as an 
 indemnity for past injuries! As Tecumseh had then 
 i^jarcely completed liis twenty-fifth year, and as tlie 
 Indians pay great deference to age, it is not probable 
 that he had any hand in this treaty, the more espe- 
 cially as, from that period to 1812, he laboured inces- 
 santlv to unite the numerous aboriuinal tribes of the 
 North American continent in one grand confederacy, 
 for the threefold purpose of endeavouring to regain 
 their former possessions as far as the Ohio, of resisting 
 the further encroachments of the whites, and of pre- 
 venting the future cession of land by any one tribe, 
 without the sanction of all, obtained in a general 
 council. With this object he visited the different 
 nations ; and having assembled the elders, he enforced 
 his disinterested views in strains of such impassioned 
 and persuasive clo(iuence, that the greater part pro- 
 mised him their co-operation and assistance. But, 
 to form a general alliance of so manv and such various 
 tribes, required a higher degree of patriotism and 
 civilization than the Indians had attained. From 
 the numbers, liowever, who ranged themselvc with 
 Tecumseh under the British standard, on the breaking 
 out of the war in 1812, it is evident that lie had ac- 
 quired no little iniiuence over them, and that his 
 almost incredible exertions, both of mind and body, 
 had not been altogether thrown away. 
 
 About the year 1804, Els-kwa-ta-wa, brother of 
 Tecumseh, proclaimed himself a prophet, who had been 
 commanded by the Great Spirit, the Creator of the 
 red, but not of the wltite, people, to announce to his 
 children, that the misfortunes bv which thev were 
 
 , k 
 
I 
 
 : OF 
 
 under General 
 ; tlie warriors 
 Ivatieed, but at 
 lakirig a stand. 
 IS were so com- 
 ing year, they 
 by wliicli they 
 )t' country as an 
 umseh hud then 
 car, and as the 
 is not probable 
 the more espe- 
 laboured inces- 
 <Mi\ tribes of the 
 nd confederacy, 
 lurin'jj to regain 
 ►hio, of resisting 
 tes, and of pre- 
 r any one tribe, 
 d in a general 
 d the different 
 ers, he enforced 
 ich impassioned 
 reater part pro- 
 sistance. But, 
 md such various 
 patriotism and 
 tained. From 
 heniselve with 
 on the breaking 
 tliat he had ac- 
 and that his 
 nind and body, 
 
 •\va, brother of 
 et, who had been 
 Creator of the 
 announce to his 
 hich tliev vrere 
 
 SIK ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 391 
 
 |l 
 
 (; ■■J 
 I >>1 
 
 •i 
 
 %' 
 
 assailed arose from their having abandoned the mode 
 of life whioli He had pros^cribcd to them. He de- 
 clared that they must return to their primitive habits 
 — relinquish the use of ardent spirits — and clothe 
 themselves in skins, and not in woollens. His fame 
 soon spread among the surrounding nations, and his 
 power to perform miracles was generally believed. 
 He was ioined ')v manv, and not a few came from a 
 great distance and cheerfully submitted to much 
 hardship and fatigue, that they might behold the 
 prophet, and then return. He first established him- 
 self at Greenville, within the boundarv of the United 
 States ; but the inhabitants of Ohio becoming alarmed 
 at the immense assemblage of Indians on their fron- 
 tier, the American authorities insisted on ids removal. 
 Accordingly he ])roceeded, in 1808, to the Wabash, 
 and fixed his residence on the northern bank of that 
 river, near the mouth of the Tippecanoe. Here his 
 popularity declined, but, through the influence of 
 Tecumseh, he was again joined i3y many among the 
 neighbouring tribes. The prophet's temporal con- 
 cerns were conducted bv Tecumseh, who adro'tly 
 availed himself of his brother's spiritual power to 
 promote liis favorite scheme of a general confederacy. 
 In 1811, Tecumseh, accompanied by several hun- 
 dred warriors, encamped near Vincennes, the capital 
 of Indiana, and demanded an interview with tlie 
 governor of that state, Major-Gcneral Harrison, the 
 same officer who, in 1813, commanded the victorious 
 troops at the battle of tlie Thames, in which Tecumseh 
 lost his life. The interview was agreed to, and the 
 governor inquired whether the Indians intended to 
 come arm(M.I to the council. Tecumseh replied that 
 he would be governed bv the conduct of the white 
 people ; if they came armed, his warriors would be 
 armed also ; if not, his followers would come unarmed. 
 The governor informed him that he would be attended 
 b} a troop of dragoons, dismounted, with their side 
 arms only, and that the Indians might bring their 
 
 m'^ 
 
:f 
 
 392 
 
 LIFE AND COnUESPONDEXCE OF 
 
 lb 
 
 \\ 
 
 It 
 
 t ; 
 
 war clubs and tomahawks. The meeting took place 
 in a large arbour, on one fide of which were the 
 dragoons, ei(i,hty in number, seated in rows; on the 
 other, the Indian^. But besides their sabres, the 
 draejoons wore armed with pistols. The following 
 incident is said to have occurred at this interview. 
 Tecumseh looked round for a seat, but not finding 
 one provided for him, he betrayed his surprise, and 
 his eyes Hashed fire. The governor, perceiving the 
 cause, instantiv ordered a chair. One of the council 
 offered the warrior his chair, and, bowing respect- 
 fully, said to him : *' Warrior, your father, General 
 Harrison, offers you a seat." "My father!'" ex- 
 claimed Tecnmseh, extending his hand tovvards the 
 heavens, " the sun is my father, and the earth is my 
 , mother; she gives me nourishmetit, and 1 will repose 
 on her bosom." Jle then threw himself on the ground. 
 When the governor, who was seated in front of the 
 dragoons, commenced his address, Tecumseli declared 
 that he could not hear him, and requested hira to 
 remove his seat to an open space near himself. The 
 governor com|)lied, and in his speech complained of 
 the constant depredations and murders which were 
 committed by the Indians of Tijjpecanoe ; of the 
 refusal on their part to give up the criminals ; and of 
 the increasing accumulation of force in that quarter, 
 for the avowed purpose of compelling the United 
 States to relinquish lands which they had fiiirly pur- 
 chased of the rightful owners. Tecumseh, in his 
 answer, denied that he had afforded protection to the 
 guilty, but manfully admitted his design of forming 
 a confederacy of all the rod nations of that continent. 
 He observed, that "the system which the United 
 States pursued, of purchasing lands from the Indians, 
 he viewed as a miijlitji water, ready to overiiovv his 
 people, and that tlie confederacy which he was form- 
 ing among the tribes, to prevent any tribe from selling 
 land withoijt the consent of the others, was the dam 
 he was erecting to resist this mighty water." And 
 
OF 
 
 Pill ISAAC DHOCK. 
 
 ao:^ 
 
 inn- took place 
 liich were the 
 1 rows ; on tlie 
 L'ir sabres, the 
 The following 
 this interview, 
 mt not finding; 
 J surprise, and 
 pi'rceivin<jf the 
 ! of the council 
 owing respect- 
 father. General 
 y fatlier!'* ex- 
 id towards the 
 ;he earth is my 
 id 1 will repose 
 ;"on the ground, 
 in front of the 
 urnseli declared 
 quested him to 
 himself. The 
 complained of 
 )rs which were 
 icanoe ; of tiie 
 minals ; and of 
 n that quarter, 
 ng the United 
 had l^iirly pur- 
 [}umseh, in his 
 )rotcction to the 
 ign of forming 
 that continent, 
 ich the Ignited 
 om the Indians, 
 to overilovv his 
 L'h he was forni- 
 ibe from fuelling 
 rs, was the davi 
 water." And 
 
 he added, " your great father, the president, may sit 
 over the mountaliu and drink his wine, but if he 
 continue this policy, you and J ^\ill liavo to meet on 
 the battle field." Ho aUo admitt(!d, that he was then 
 on his way to the Creek nation, abotit ()(X) miles 
 distant from the Wahash, for tlie purpose he had just 
 avowed, and he continued his journey two days after, 
 with twelve or fifteen of his warriors. Having visited 
 tiie Creek and other southern trihos, he crossed the 
 Mississippi, and continued a northern course as far as 
 the river Denioins, wlience he returned, to the Wabasli 
 by land. But u sad rfverse of fortune av ailed his 
 return ; he found his town ronsu'neil, hi- bravest 
 warriors slain, and a large deposit of provisions de- 
 stroyed. On his departure, the settlement at Tip[)e- 
 canoe was left in charge of his brotlier, the prophet* 
 with strict injunctions to [treventall hostile incursions, 
 as they might lead to ixtreinitics before his plant, were 
 matured. Els-kwa-ta-wa, however, wanted either th(,' 
 inclination or the authority to follow these injunc- 
 tions ; and the Americans assert, that murder and 
 rapine occurred now so •frequently,, that they were 
 compelled, in their own defence, to punish the delin- 
 quents. Accordingly, Cieneral Harrison proceeded 
 with nearly 1,0<.K) men to Tippecanoe, and on his 
 approach, in November, 1811, was met by about ()()() 
 warriors ; a battle ensued, in which the Indians, 
 deprived by the absence of their chief of his counsel 
 and example, were defeated, but with nearly equal 
 loss on both sides. Assured by the prophet that the 
 American bullets would not injure tliem, they rushed 
 on the bayonets uith their M-ar clubs, and exposed 
 their persons with a fbtal fearlessness. Hut Els-kwa- 
 ta-wa himself remaiueil during the battle in security 
 on an adjacent eminence^ he was chaunting a war 
 song, when informati(tn was brouglit to him that his 
 men were falling.* '*• Let them fight on, for my pre- 
 
 * " Els-kwi-ta-wa was tall, but too slight to lie well pioportioncii, witli 
 a keen eye and a thin mloniuy .isage 'Touuinseh,' sajs Thatcher in 
 
 8* 
 
 ^,^n 
 
394 
 
 LIFE AND CORUESPONDEVCF OF 
 
 diction will soon bo verified," was the substance of 
 his I'C'ply, and he resumed his song in a lender key ! 
 
 The liostility of Tecuniseh to those whom he had 
 ever considered as the spoilers of his country, was, if 
 possible, redoubled by this severe act of retaliation. 
 General Harrison, in particular, incurred liis personal 
 enmity, and he declared openly that he would seek 
 for venpjeance. Nor was lie backward in putting his 
 threats into execution.* Early in 1812, the Indians 
 renewed their hostile incursions, but they Avere now 
 treated with unusual forbcarrinco, in the hope that 
 they would remain neutral in the war with Great 
 Britain, which the American government well knew 
 was near at hand. On its declaration in June, how- 
 ever, Tecumseh eagerly embraced the opportunity 
 which it aflbrded. not only to promote his long medi- 
 tated public views, but i.o avenge his private injuries; 
 and, hastening with his warriors to (Jpper Canada, 
 he had soon the gratiiication of witnessing, at Detroit, 
 the surrender of the 4th U. S. infantry, (or heroes of 
 Tippecanoe, as they were then denominated,) which 
 regiment claimed tlie principal merit of having, the 
 preceding year, defeated his followers and destroyed 
 his settlement. After the surrender, Major-General 
 Brock desired J ccumseh to prevent the Indians from 
 ill-treating the prisoners, and the chief promptly re- 
 plied : " I desjiise them too much to injure them." 
 
 J.^reviously to the battle of the Tliames. already 
 noticed, the position chosen to await the attack of the 
 American army, and the disposition of the British 
 
 i : :■ 
 
 Ilis excellent biography, 'was irank, warlike, persuasive in his oratory, 
 popular ill his manaers, iircproachahle in liis haliits of life, Kl.s-kwa-ta-wa 
 had more ciinriiiig tViaii courage ; ami a stronger (iispositiori to talk than 
 to fifrht, or exert himself in any otlier way. lliithe was subtle, tiiient, 
 persevering, and sell-posstssefl.' They were, however, well formed to 
 seheme and exi'cute tlifir plans together The. one became a propliet, 
 crafty and croel, haraiii^uing wherever he rould get a bearer ; tlie other 
 earned out his designs, ilois sn\i|)orted. into boldness and energy of 
 action " — Nnfr m Ti:'toitfti'h, it J'nein, aljoady cited. 
 
 * "By whom are the savages led ! ' was the question, for many years, 
 during the wars between the Anjcricans and Indians Thename 'Tecum- 
 seh ' was itself a host ou the side of tlio latter." -- Jamts. 
 
OF 
 
 ? substance of 
 i louder key ! 
 ^vholIl lie had 
 untry, was, if 
 of retaliation. 
 ;d his personal 
 le NVould seek 
 in putting his 
 2, the Indians 
 ;hcy were now 
 the hope that 
 ir with Great 
 ont well knew 
 in June, how- 
 16 opportunity 
 his long medi- 
 'ivate injuries ; 
 Jpper Canada, 
 ng, at Detroit, 
 , (or heroes of 
 iiated,) which 
 jf having, the 
 and destroyed 
 VIa.jor-(ieneral 
 3 Indians from 
 f promptly re- 
 jure them." 
 ames, ah-eady 
 b attack of the 
 of the British 
 
 isive in nis oratory, 
 ifc. Kls-kwa-la-wa 
 lositiuri to talk than 
 was subtle, tlucnt, 
 er, well fornicd to 
 became a propliet, 
 I hearer ; the other 
 less and energy of 
 
 on- for many years, 
 The name 'Tecum-^ 
 
 SIR ISAAC ni^OCK. 
 
 ;)95 
 
 :i'' 1 
 
 •.•!".V. 
 
 force, were approved of by Tecumsoh, and his last 
 words to G<nieral Proctor were: " Father, tell your 
 young iiieii to be firm, and all Avill he well." lie 
 then repaired to his people, and harangued them 
 before they occupied their post. While the white 
 troops were so quickly overcome, Tecunisch and his 
 warriors almost as rapidly repclh.d the enemy ; and 
 the Indiuti' eontiniud to push their advantnge in 
 ignorance of the disaster of their iillies, until their 
 heroic chief, who had previously received a musket 
 ball in the let't arm, fell by a riHe Imllet, while in the 
 act of advancing to close \vith Colonel Johnson, who 
 was on horseback, commandinjj his rei^iment of 
 mounted riflemen, * 
 
 Of the many Indian chiefs who distinguished them- 
 selves in the wars of the whites, Tecumseh was un- 
 doubredly the greatest since the days of Pontiae. Sir 
 Isaac Brock has expressed his Avurm admiration of 
 ]iim, and it is well known that the fe('lin<r was mutual ; 
 but it is said that after the death of his friend and 
 patron, Tecumseh •' found no kindred spirit with 
 whom to act." t In early life he Avas addicted to 
 inebriety, the prevailing vice of the Indians; but his 
 good sense and resolution conquered the habit, and, 
 in his later years, he was remarkable for temperance. 
 Glory became liis ruling passion, and in its actjuisi- 
 tion he was careless of wealth, as, although his pre- 
 sents and booty must have been of considerable value, 
 he preserved little or nothing for himself. In height 
 he Avas live feoL ten inches, Avell formed, and capable 
 of enduring fatigue in an extraordinary degree. His 
 carriage was erect and commanding, and there Avas 
 an air of haute in his coimtenance, arising from an 
 elevated pride of soul, Avhich did not forsake it Avhen 
 life was extinct. He was habitually taciturn, but, 
 
 * " It seems extraordinary that General Harrison should have omitted 
 to mention, in his letter, the death of a iliief, whose fall '.ontrilmted so 
 largely to break down the Indian spirit, and to give peace and necurity to 
 the whole uorth-westorn frontier of the !• nitod States " — James. 
 
 + Lieutenant Francis Hail's Travelb in Canada, in isiii and 181/. 
 
:3!H) 
 
 LIFE AND COllKESPONDENCE OF 
 
 wlien excited, his eloquence was nervous, concise, 
 anil fiixurative. His dress was plain, and lie was 
 never known lo in(liilg;e in tlie j::;audy decoration of 
 his person, which is the common practice of ihe 
 Indians. On the day of hij* death, he wore a dressed 
 deer-skin coat and pantaloons. He was present in 
 almost every action ap;ainst the Americans, from the 
 period of Uarmer's defeat to the battle of the Thames 
 — was several times wounded — and always souffht 
 the hottest of tlie fire.* On the 19th of July, 1812, 
 ho pursued, near the river Canard^ in Upper Canada, 
 a detachnjcut of the American army under Colonel 
 M 'Arthur, and fired on the rear g^uard. The colonel 
 suddenly faced about his men and j];ave orders for a 
 volley, when all the Indians fell flat on the ground 
 with tlie exception of Tecumsch, who stood firm on 
 iiis feet, with apparent unconcern ! After his fall, 
 his lifeless corpse Avas viewed with great interest by 
 the American officers, who declared that the contour 
 of his features was majestic even in death. And 
 iiolwithstajiding, it is said by an American writer, 
 that " some of the Kentuekians disgraced themselves 
 by committing indignities on his dead body. He 
 was scalped, and otherwise disfigured.'^ He left a 
 son, who fought by his side when he fell, and was 
 then about, seventeen years old. The prince regent, 
 in 1814, as a mark of respect to the memory of the 
 father, sent a hnndsome sword as a present to the son. 
 A nephew of Tecumsch and of the prophet, (their 
 sister's son,) wlio was highly valued by the Americans, 
 was slain in their service, in November, 1812, on the 
 northern bank of the river Miami. Having been 
 brought up by the American general, Logan, he had 
 adoj)ted that officer's name. He asserted that Tecum- 
 sch had in vain sought to enffasie hira in the war on 
 the side of the British. 
 
 •o-'o^ 
 
 * " Few officers in the I'liitcd States' service were so able to command 
 in the field ah this lamee' liKlian ohief. He was an excellent judge of 
 position, and not only know, but could point out, the localities of the 
 whole country tlirough which tie had passed " — James. 
 
E OF 
 
 SlU ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 :y.)7 
 
 irvous, concise, 
 n, and lie was 
 y deeoratiop of 
 practice of the 
 ' wore a dressed 
 
 was present iu 
 'loans, from the 
 c of the Tliaines 
 
 always souorht 
 
 of July, 1812, 
 1 Upper Canada, 
 
 under Colonel 
 d. The colonel 
 ive orders for a 
 t on the ground 
 o stood firm on 
 
 After his fall, 
 jreat interest by 
 that the contour 
 n death. And 
 mericaa writer, 
 •aced themselves 
 3ad body. He 
 y/." He left a 
 le fell, and was 
 le prince repent, 
 
 memory of the 
 •csent to the son. 
 
 prophet, Uheir 
 
 ,' the Americans, 
 
 er, 1812, on the 
 
 Havinjy been 
 
 Logan, he liad 
 
 ted that Tecura- 
 m in the war on 
 
 re so able to command 
 an excellent judge of 
 the localities of the 
 imes. 
 
 
 CIIAPTKR XVII. 
 
 iMlSCEl.I^NEOUS. ) 
 
 Thomas Porter, a faithful servant of Sir Isaac 
 Brock, was sent to England witli his etfects, and at 
 the request of the family, was discharged from the 
 49th regiment, in which ho was borne as a soldier, 
 and in which he had an only brotlier ; their father 
 having been killed, wliile also in the regiment, on 
 board the Monarch, at Copenhagen. The command- 
 er-in-chief readilv ^anctioned the discharrre of I'orter, 
 "as a small tribute to the memory of a most gallant 
 and valuable officer." 
 
 His Royal Highnpss the Duke of York tu W, Brock, Esq. 
 Horse Guards, December, 181'). 
 
 The prince regent having been graciously pleased 
 to command, in the name and on the behalf of his 
 majesty, that the officers present at the capture of 
 Detroit should be permitted to bear a medal comme- 
 morative of that brillismt victory, I have to transmit 
 to you the medal >* which would have been conferred 
 upo!) the late Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, and 
 which the prince regent has been pleased to direct 
 should be deposited with his family, as a token of 
 the respect ■which his royal highness entertains for 
 the memory of that officer. 
 
 I am, Sir, yours, F^KDEfticK, 
 
 Commander -iu-Chief. 
 
 * The medal if. a very laige and Iieaiitifully executed gold one, made to 
 s-Hspcud from the neck. On the obverso is, " Detroit i" on the reverse, 
 the flijrnre <'f Britannia; and round the rim, "Major-General Sir Uaac 
 Brock." The uiedal was given only to the principal officers. 
 
 / 
 
398 
 
 LIFK AND f ORUESPONDENCR OF 
 
 . 1.' 
 
 H '! 
 
 In llio year 1817, Mr. Savory lirock vlsitod the 
 rnited States and Canada, and, wliiltj in the latter 
 ronntrv, received the grants of tlie l'i,(MK> acres of 
 land voted by the lec;ishitnre of the Tpper Province 
 to the four brother* of Sir Isaac Brock. The letters 
 written by him durin*;; his travels were hi«;hly ])ri/ed 
 at the time, and the following are brief extracts from 
 them : 
 
 YoKK, Upper Canada, Aug. '20 to '2-5, 1817. 
 
 1 travelled with three gentlemen from New York 
 as far as Fort George, where they left me on their 
 return by Montreal. We crossed at RuHalo on the 
 9th instant, at which place we arrived iialf an hour 
 before the l*resident ; and although one of our party 
 (Mr. Gouverneurj was his nephew, we did not delay 
 our journey to have a view of his coui'teiiance, and 
 oame over to Fort Firie, or, projieriy speaking, its 
 remains. Seven miles from the fort, 'vo stopped the 
 next i.iorning to breakfast at a house where Isaac 
 liad lived six months, and the landlord told me with 
 tears : '* He was a friend and a father to me. 1 was 
 close to him when he was shot ;" — with these words, 
 unable from his feelings to add more, lie walked 
 away quickly up his orchard .... On paying my 
 respects to Mrs. Powell, th : iady of the present chief 
 justice, and to Mrs. (Haus, they were greatly affected, 
 and shed tears ; and ]Mr. Scott,"^ on whom I called 
 yesterday, was equally so. Every one here is most 
 kind- Isaac truly lived in their hearts: from one 
 end of Canada to the other, he is beloved to a degree 
 you can scarcely imagine — his memory will long 
 live among them. " To your brother, Sir, we are 
 indebted for the preservation of this province," is a 
 sentiment that comes from the heart, and is in the 
 mouths of too many to be flattery. This is pleasing, 
 no doubt, to me, but it is a mournful pleasure, and 
 recalls to me the past. 1 dine at five with the gen- 
 
 * Thetlien late chief justice. 
 
P, OF 
 
 ock vi^iitotl tlie 
 It; in tlic latter 
 l-i,(MH) acres of 
 '^ppcr Province 
 :k. Tlie letters 
 ■e. bitihly prized 
 tf extracts from 
 
 •i(> to 'iO, 1817. 
 
 roin New York 
 ift nic on their 
 
 Rurt'alo on the 
 ;(l iiiilf an hour 
 lie of our party 
 e (lid not delay 
 urteiiance, and 
 y ■speaking:, its 
 
 VD stopped the 
 se where Isaac 
 •d told mo with 
 r to me. 1 was 
 ith these words, 
 drc, he walked 
 On paying my 
 he present chief 
 greatly affected, 
 
 whom 1 called 
 ne here is most 
 irts : from one 
 ved to a degree 
 uory will long 
 er, Sir, we are 
 province," is a 
 , and is in the 
 'his is pleasing, 
 .1 pleasure, and 
 e with the gen- 
 
 siR ISAAC nuo( K. 
 
 mo 
 
 K > 
 
 
 
 tlemcn of this town, and I see a spj "d tnhl. 'aid 
 out up stairs — the garrison is invit«'d. I fournl no 
 way to avoid these m irk.s of rospei^t to Isaac's nie- 
 mory. I assure you that it is truly unpleasant to mo 
 to sec 80 many persons putting themselves in some 
 degree out of their way to gratify me, as I think it, 
 though I am aware that tliev do it to satisfv their own 
 fe(!lings. 1 should also mention, that last Saturday 1 
 ilined at Fort George, by invitation of the gentlemen 
 there and its environs; we were f()rfi/-/iine in num- 
 ber, and it was the anniversary of the capture of 
 Detroit! I was invited, without their rcn>enibering 
 the day of the month — it was a curious coincidence. 
 The clergynum, who was of the parly, made allusion 
 during divine service next morning to Isaac, and to 
 my being in the church. 1 mention these particulars, 
 that you ma) fully judge of the kindness o( all. 
 After the service, three fine young farmers came up 
 to me and wislied to shake hands, having been at 
 Detroit and Queenstown. Nothing could exceed 
 their marks of attachment. I>ery body, they said, 
 uotmected with Isaac would always be seen v\ith 
 pleasure : they were, like myself, most sensibly af- 
 fected. 
 
 I hear of such misconduct on the part of most of 
 the generals, of such negligence that was occasioned 
 by it on the jmrt of other officers, that it is only 
 surprising we retained the country. Every general 
 required so much urging to permit an attack, that 
 it was leally a favor for any enterprising officer, who 
 grieved that nothing was done, to be allowed a hand- 
 ful of men to beat the eneni) with. I'oor Vork ! 
 how miserably detcnded ; but 1 shall not enter into 
 particulars; as no interest is now entertained for these 
 artairs. 
 
 MoNTUEAL, October '24. 
 
 I have had 7,(X)0 acres granted in East and West 
 Flamborough, at the head of Lake Ontario, about 
 twelve miles from its margin ; this is the best of our 
 
¥•■ 
 
 
 4«M) 
 
 LI^'K AND CORKFSI'O.N DENCH OF 
 
 lanil, Init not u lioii'^c within niyjlit or riino miles of 
 it ; 1,2(M) acrts in ilrock tounsliip, on Lake Simooe ; 
 3,(H)0 nnres in Monajj;lmn, on llic llice Lake ; and 
 800 acre;* in Murray, on Lakr ( )ntiirio. 
 
 I crossed from York to Kinjjston in a steam boat 
 of 7*J*2 tons, \-iiS feet keel, und >)() feet beam — in u 
 buteiui to La Cliine, and nnicliod Montreal on the 
 lOth instant. On the KMi I left this at six o'cdock 
 a. ra. in a steamer of r»l() tons, and reached (Quebec 
 tlie next (lav (Frida\) at aht)Ut one o'clock, p.m., 
 having anchored all nij-dit, the ehaiinel beinrr too nar- 
 row to pass in the dark. 1 remained until Tuesday 
 night at Quebec, and arrived here last evening' at 
 seven o'clock — thi^ is quick and pleasant travelling — 
 the cabin of tlitse boats is good, and tin; meals, four 
 a day, e.\<ellent— passage, including board and wine, 
 24 dollars down and up. 
 
 The principal gentlemen of this place have formed 
 a committee of eiglit persons, and waited on me to 
 fix a day to dine with lliem. Tuesday is named. 
 So very civil is every one, that I am quite overcome 
 with their politeness. Colon( 1 M'Bearf, of the DOth, 
 and all his ofhcers, have also called. Isaac's memory 
 is so cherished — all loved him sincerely. At Quebec, 
 I dined with Sir John Sherbrookc, &c., visited the 
 falls of Montmoreuci, &c., and was much pleased 
 with my trip there. 
 
 October 25. — The name of Isaac is highly vene- 
 rated, and it is most gratifying to me to find it so 
 universally so, whilst the names of many other gene- 
 rals, who commanded during the war, are spoken of 
 with much indilference.* 
 
 * On Mr. Urock'-s return home in Januavv, i«i8, he brought the model 
 of a steam vcssol which he iiail had constnictcil at New York, steam 
 navicration being tlien in its infancy in Eng:land. Ilo cxhibitert this 
 model at the lulmiralty, post office, and treasury, and slronply urged the 
 first-named board to construct and employ a steamer in the suppression of 
 smuBB,lin{!r. In an interview at the admiralty with owe of the naval lords, 
 Mr Brock was (\sked by him if he tbouj^ht the people of England would 
 ever suffer a ship of war to lie navi(?ated without canvass, and gave this 
 answer " Sir, do you believe that the iieople ol England can ever prevent 
 the suja .shining upon them i" for as surely as they cannot, so .surely will 
 
cr. OF 
 
 81 K ISAAC intortc. 
 
 401 
 
 or iiinft miles of 
 i>n Lake Simcoe ; 
 Rice Lake ; and 
 rio. 
 
 i ill a flteani boat 
 feet beam — in u 
 Montreal on tlie 
 his at six o'clock 
 I reached (Quebec 
 le o'clock, p. m., 
 nel beint^ too nar- 
 icd until Tuesday 
 ? last evening at 
 asant travelling — 
 id the meals, four 
 ;>• board and wine, 
 
 t 
 
 )lace have formed 
 waited on me to 
 ueaday is named, 
 m quite overcome 
 earf, of the IMJth, 
 Isaac's memory 
 rely. At Quebec, 
 &c., visited the 
 as much ple;ised 
 
 ,c is highly vene- 
 me to find it so 
 many other gene- 
 ur. arc spoken of 
 
 s. he brought the model 
 Oil at New York, steam 
 nd. Ilo cxhiV)itcct this 
 , aiul sircnifly urged the 
 iner in th'.; suppression of 
 li oi.e of the naval lords, 
 oople of England would 
 ,1 cimvass, and gave this 
 '.ngland can over prevent 
 cannot, so surely will 
 
 Kxtract from iho Montn'til Ifirultl of Sovtuihtr 1, IH17. 
 
 On Tiifhday, tlic 'JHth ultiuui, llir itrinripiil it iialtKautH of 
 Moiitrcul ^;avt> a public diiiiior iil Mio Maii^iini ilousKs io 
 J<ihu Snvery Uruck, E"«q., of tlio iflautl of (IncTn^ty, «» a 
 triljiitc of rcspet't JiHtly <lii<' lo tlit- nieiiiDry of IiIa lulu bro- 
 ther, the (lt.'< I'asvtl Mnjur-iicinTal Sir Ifaac Urock. 
 
 Sir Joliii Jiiliiiiiun, Hart., took, tlic rhair at 8ix o'cluck, 
 suppotti'd t»y Mtssrs. ror«.ylli arii! St. Di/.icr, %ioe-pri'»i«l('iit8, 
 wlio fomluctpii tlie arranyfiiK iiis of the tat>l<' in a luaimor 
 wortliy of the acca^sion wliicti tho company hail asseuibleil to 
 cotiiiiiotDoratc. 
 
 After the cloth was removed, a scries of npjtroi^riHlo toasts 
 wen; given Iroin llie eliair. Wlicn " ihc memory of tho lato 
 Mnjor-fJenerul Sir It^aue IJroek ' \\;\.* piedjjjetl and «lnink, 
 Mr. 11. availed himself of the. universal Hilence it ereat«'d to 
 address) the company. In a short Hp<ech, he expressed his 
 acknowledgmentH fur tin; vory llaliering and di^tini^uiMhcd 
 manner they were pleased, thruutrh him. to testify tlioir vene- 
 ration for the memory of his deeeused brotlur, whose public 
 and i)rivate qualiti«s, hf wa-* jiroiid to observe, were so hi)|?hly 
 appreciated by the inlnibilanfs of Montreal, in whose society 
 he had for u period been donu'Stieated, and of whose kindnesi) 
 ami hospitality he ahvujs retained a grateful remembrance. 
 
 At the comjneneemiiit of ihe American war, Mr. J), ob- 
 served, an ardnons command devolveil upon hii brother, he 
 had to protect an extensive frontier with very limit'd means, 
 and those means, feeble as they were, shackled !> the tram- 
 mels of superior authority ; the ailvance of an b istiU; army, 
 liowever, upon our provincial territory, developed tho re- 
 sources of Ids military tzeiiius, and alVorded him a glorious 
 op[)ortunity of proving to his country what he miijlit have 
 achieved under diH'erent eircumsfanees. Mr. IJrock ajjolo- 
 gized to the company for detaining them a few unnutes 
 longer, in reading somi- extracts of letter* be had received 
 from the late general, at different times, ])revious to the battle 
 of Queens'own. These extracts corrt)borateil what Mr. B. 
 had previously stated ; and it is remarkable that in one of 
 theuj, with a spirit almost proi)!ietic, the hero foretold the 
 iirsiie of that eventful day. when the hand of victory was 
 destined to nungle the cypress and the laurel over his grave. 
 Mr. Brock's feelings were a good deal alfeeted in addressing 
 80 numerous au assendjhige of his latf- brother's personal 
 friends ; and we may venture to add, that never were feelings 
 
 steam iKiats navigate the llritish channel." Althongh foiled and unheeded 
 at this time, Mr. Brock lived to witness the fulfilment of his views and 
 proposals, which were then treated as visionarv. — See Uitrrnseij anil 
 jKrseii Miii^'izinr, vol. v. p. 117.) I'e was a man of great decision and 
 energy of character, of wiiich many interestui;;' anecdotes are related. 
 
402 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OP 
 
 f; n 
 
 of the same description more sacredly participated than those 
 of Mr, B. on this occasion. Mr. li. conchuled liis speech by 
 drinkiiifr the hetilth of the company, and "success and pros- 
 perity to the city of Montreal." 
 
 At eleven o'clock the president retired, and was suoceet.'d 
 in the chair by the Hon. W. M'Gillivray, who iuimediatfly 
 proposed the health of the worthy baronet, with three tinies 
 three. 
 
 The band of the 99th rec;iment attended and played a 
 variety of beautiful airs, which, in addition to a number of 
 excellent songs given in the course of the evening, seduced 
 the party to remain until the *' little hours" stole upon them. 
 
 We rcj^ret that want of room prevents us from iioticing as 
 we couhi wish the neat and soldierlike address of thanks from 
 Lieut. -Colonel M'Bean, on behalf of the garrison of Montreal, 
 or of recording a translation of the figurative speeches, deli- 
 vered in the Indian language by Lieut. -Colonel M'Kay and 
 A. Shaw, Esq., excited from those gentlemen by a recurrence 
 to the co-operation of the gallant warrior, Tecumseh, with 
 the lamented chief whose immortal memory forms the subject 
 of this article. 
 
 f is 
 
 Irving Brock, Esq., to his niece, Miss Caroline Tapper.*^ 
 
 London, April 12, 1825. 
 
 I went to Windsor on Wednesday last with the 
 
 four Indians, accompanied by my friend Mr. W , 
 
 to shew them the castle, Frogmore, &c. ; but the 
 chief object, wliich T had secretly in mind, was to 
 have thorn introduced to his majesty. Sir John 
 
 C , the late mayor of WinJsor, assisted me very 
 
 ctFectually, and the upshot of the matter is, that the 
 king expressed his desire to see the Indian chiefs, 
 although every bodv treated this as a most chimerical 
 idea. They wore, for the first time, the brilliant 
 clothes which Mr. Butterworth liad had made for 
 them, and you cannot conceive how grand and im- 
 posing they appeared. 
 
 The king appointed half-past one on Thursday to 
 receive our party at the royal lodge, his place of resi- 
 dence. We were ushered into the library ; and now 
 1 am going to say somewhat pleasing to your uncle 
 
 * Tlio present Mrs, Dc lieauvoir T)c Lisle. 
 
 h 
 
I 
 
 E OF 
 
 fipated than those 
 lied his speech by 
 ' succeijS and pros- 
 
 and was suoceot.'d 
 who immediately 
 , with three tiiiies 
 
 [led and played a 
 ion to a uumher of 
 ! eveniiiir, seduced 
 i" stole upon them. 
 IS troni noticing as 
 ress of thanks from 
 irrisonof Montn^al, 
 tive speeches, deli- 
 olonel M'Kay and 
 nen by a recurrence 
 3r, Te'cuinseh, with 
 ry forms the subject 
 
 Caroline Tapper.* 
 
 ^pril 12, 1825. 
 
 lay last with the 
 
 lend Mr. W , 
 
 re, &c. ; but the 
 
 in mind, was to 
 esty. Sir John 
 , assisted me very 
 natter is, that the 
 he Indian chiefs, 
 u most chimerical 
 
 me, the brilliant 
 ad had made for 
 Av grand and im- 
 
 le on Thursday to 
 , his place of resi- 
 brary ; and now 
 in"- to* vour uncle 
 
 
 SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 403 
 
 l)e Lisle. 
 
 Saver} . As Sir John C was in tlie act of intro- 
 
 <lucing me, but botore lie bad mentioned my name, 
 Sir Andrrw IJarnard •*" intorru])tod liini, and said : 
 " Tliero is no occasion to introduce me to that gentle- 
 man — I know him to be General Brock's brother — 
 he and Colonel Brock, of the Hist, were my most 
 intimate friends — I was in the Hl-st with the colonel. 
 Tlierc was another brother ^\•ilonl I also knew — he 
 who was paymaster of the 4Dth — he was a gallant 
 fellow. By the bye, sir, I beg your pardon ; perhaps 
 1 am speaking to that very gentleman." 
 
 In the library there was also present. Marquess 
 Conyngham, Lord Mountl'harles, Sir J'.dniund Xugle, 
 &c. (Sec. We remained chatting in the house above 
 half iin hour, expecting every moment to see the king 
 enter ; and I was greatly amused to observe Mr. 
 W and Sir John C start and npj^ear con- 
 vulsed every time there was a noise outside the door. 
 We were admiring the tine lawn when the Marquess 
 Conyngham asked the Indians if thev would like lo 
 take a turn, at the same time opening the beautiful 
 door that leads to it. The ])arty was no sooner out 
 than we saw the king SLanding quite still, and as 
 erect as a grenadier on a lield day, some forty yards 
 from us. We were all immediately uncovered, and 
 advanced slowly towards the handsomest, the most 
 elegant, the most enchanting man in the kingdom ; 
 the Indians conducted by Marquess Conyngham, Sir 
 Edmund Naglc, Sir Andrew Barnard, I^ord Mount 
 Charles, &.c. &c. The range of balconies was fdled 
 
 with ladies. Sir John C , Mr. W and I, 
 
 allowed the party to approach l:is majesty, while we 
 modestlv halted at a distance of twentv vard-. It 
 was worth while being there onlv to see the benijxn 
 countenance of the greatest monarch in the world, 
 and to witness his manner of uncovering his liead. 
 The four chiefs fell on their knees. The kin<j; desired 
 them to rise, and entered into a great deal of prelimi- 
 * The present Lieut. -General Sir Andrew Baiitard, G. (r. B. 
 
 * 
 

 404 
 
 LIFE AND COURESPONDF.NCE OF 
 
 ff^: 
 
 I t 
 
 , t 
 
 nary conversation. I saw him turn towardg the 
 iuarqiiess, and after a few seconds lie said, witli his 
 loud and sonorous voice : " l*i"ay, Mr. Brock, come 
 near inc — I pray you come near me." 1 felt a little 
 for my companions wlio continued uimoticed, and 
 especially for Sir John C , to whom I was prin- 
 cipally indebted for the royal interview. 
 
 The kins: addressed the Indians in French, very 
 distinctly, fluently, and loud : *' I observe you have 
 the portrait of ray father ; will you [)ermit me to 
 present you with mine?" The marquess then pro- 
 duced four large and weighty gold coronation peer 
 medallions of his majesty, suspended by a rich maza- 
 rine blue silk riband. The chiefs, seeing this, drop- 
 ped again upon their knees, and th., king took the 
 four medallions successively into his hand, and said: 
 " Will some gentleman have the goodness to tie this 
 behind?" — upon which Sir Edmund Nagle, with 
 wdiom we had been condolino; on account of the gout, 
 while waiting: in the library- and who wore a list 
 shoe, skipped nimbly beliind the chiefs, and received 
 the sirinfr from the king, tving the cordon on the 
 necks of the four chiefs. We were much amused to 
 observe Ijow the royal word can dispel the gout. 
 The instant the grand chief was within reach of the 
 medallion, and before the investiture was completed, 
 he seized the welcome present with the utmost ear- 
 nestness, and kissed it with an ardour Avhich must 
 liave been witnessed to be conceived. The king ap 
 peared sensibly affected by this strong and unequi- 
 vocal mark of grateful emotion. The other chiefs 
 acted in a similar way, and nothing could have been 
 managed more naturally, or in better taste. After 
 this ceremony, the king desired them to rise and to 
 be covered. They put on their hats, and, which ap- 
 peared extraordinary to me, his majesty remained 
 uncovered all the time. Here it was that the grand 
 chief, as if incapable of repressing his feelings, poured 
 out in a most eloquent manner, by voice and action, 
 
CE OP 
 
 urn towards the 
 he said, with his 
 Mr. Brock, eome 
 e." I felt a little 
 i unnoticed, and 
 ivhom I was prin- 
 ie\v> 
 
 in French, very 
 observe you have 
 ou permit me to 
 arquess tlien pro- 
 d coronation peer 
 ■d hy a rich maza- 
 seeing this, drop- 
 th., knig took tlie 
 is hand, and said : 
 joodness to tie this 
 Vmd Nagle, with 
 '.count of tlie gout, 
 I who wore a list 
 hiefs, and received 
 tlie cordon on the 
 e much amused to 
 . dispel the gout, 
 ithin reach of the 
 re was completed, 
 th the utmost ear- 
 •dour which must 
 
 d. The king ap 
 trong and unequi- 
 The other chiefs 
 jT could have been 
 ctter taste. After 
 
 lem to rise and to 
 ,ts, and, which ap- 
 
 majesty remained 
 was thiit the grand 
 
 lis feelings, poured 
 voice and action, 
 
 SIR IJiAAC BROCK. 
 
 40^5 
 
 the following unpremeditated speech in his native 
 Indian tongue. I say un|iremeditated, because that 
 fi!',e alhision to the sun could not have been contem- 
 j)lated while we wore wailing in the library, the room 
 where we ex))ccted the interview to take place. I 
 was pleased to find that the presence of this mighty 
 sovereign, who governs the most powerful nation 
 upon earth, did nc>t drive from the tlioughts of the 
 pious chief, the Kinfi" of kings and the Lord of lords. 
 The Instant he had finished, flie chief of the war- 
 riors interpreted in the French language, and I wrote 
 down the speech as soon as I left the royal lodge. It 
 should be ul)served, that the cliiels iiad been previously 
 informed by me that, according to etiquette, they 
 should answer any questions which his majesty might 
 be pleased to ask, but not inrroducc any conversation 
 of their own. The sun was shining vividly. 
 
 THE SPEECH. 
 
 I was instriiclod not. to speak in the royal presence, unless 
 in answer to your majesty's (juostions. But rny feelings cver- 
 power me. >ly heart is full. I am amazed at sueh unex- 
 pected grace aixl tondesoensirin, and cannot doubt that I 
 shall he pardoned fur expressing my gratitude. The .sun i? 
 shedding his genial rays upmi our heails. He reminds us of 
 tlie great Creator of the universe — of Him who can make 
 alive an'? who can kill. Oh! may that gracious and benefi- 
 cent Being, who promises to answer the fervent prayers of 
 his people, blfs' abundantly jour iiiajosty. May He grant 
 you much bodily health, and, ior the sfake of your happy 
 subjects, may He i)rolong your valuable lite ! It is not alone 
 the four individuals, who now stand before your nmjesty, 
 who will retain to the end of their lives a sense of this kind 
 and touching reception — tlie uhole of the nations, whose 
 representatives we are, will ever love and be devoted to you, 
 their good and great father. 
 
 His majesty felt deeply every word of the speech, 
 when interpreted I'V the chief of the warriors. The 
 king answered, that he derived high satisfaction from 
 the sentiments they had expressed, and assured them 
 that he should always be much interested in the hap- 
 piness of his North American subjects, and would 
 
40() 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDKNCE OF 
 
 i N 
 
 avail himself of every opportunity to promote tlieir 
 welfare, and to prove that he was indeed their father. 
 After acknowledging in gracious terms the pleasure 
 which the speech of the grand chief had all'orded 
 him, he mentioned, in an easy and affable manner, 
 that he had once before in his life seen some indivi- 
 duals of the Indian nations, but that was fifty-five or 
 fifty-six years ago. He inquired of their passage to 
 this country, the name of the ship and of the master, 
 and was persevering in his questions as to tiie treat- 
 ment they had experienced at his hands, whether 
 they luid been made comfortable in all respects, and 
 if lie had been polite and attentive. 
 
 While the grand chief was delivering his speech in 
 the Huron language, it seemed as if it would never 
 end ; and, observing the king look a little surprised, 
 I informed the Marquess Conyngham, in a loud whis- 
 per, that this was the mode in which they expressed 
 their sense of any honor conferred, and that the chief 
 of the Marriors would interpret the speech in the 
 French language. The king asked me to repeat what 
 I had been saving, and Geortre and Irving conversed 
 for some time. His majesty, on another occasion, 
 asked me under what circumstances the Indians had 
 been introduced to me. 1 answered that they were 
 recommended to my notice, because thev had been 
 invested with the medallions of his late majesty by 
 my brother. 
 
 His majesty hoped the Indians had seen every thing 
 remarkable in Windsor, and told us we were welcome 
 to see the interior of tlie lodge and pleasure grounds, 
 that Sir Andrew Barnard would accompany us every- 
 where, to his stables, menagerie, aviaries, dtc, and 
 afterwards he trusted we would partake of some re- 
 freshment. He also offered us the use of his car- 
 riages. The refreshment was a truly royal repast — 
 we eat on silver — the table groaned, as Mr. Heath- 
 field would say, under the king's hospitality. We 
 made a famous dinner — pine apple, champagne, 
 
CE OF 
 
 SIR ISAAC nnocK. 
 
 407 
 
 to promote tlielr 
 deed their father. 
 ?rms the pleasure 
 lief had alforded 
 i affable manner, 
 }ocn some indivi- 
 it was fifty-five or 
 >f their passage to 
 md of the master, 
 ns as to the treat- 
 5 hands, whetlier 
 1 all respects, and 
 
 jring his speech in 
 
 if ft would never 
 . a little surprised, 
 ,m, in a loud whis- 
 ch they expressed 
 
 and that the chief 
 the speech in the 
 
 me to repeat what 
 1 Irving conversed 
 1 another occasion, 
 es the Indians had 
 •ed that they were 
 ise they had been 
 
 Is late majesty by 
 
 ad seen every thing 
 s we were welcome 
 pleasure grounds, 
 company us every- 
 aviaries, ike, and 
 artake of some re- 
 le use of his car- 
 uly royal repast — 
 ed', as Mr. Heath- 
 s hospitality. We 
 ipple, champagne, 
 
 
 claret, &c. — servants in royal liveries behind our 
 chairs. After dinner the Indian's gave us the war 
 sou^, when, (in your uncle Savery's poetry about 
 Maria Easy,) 
 
 "Thoiish Un: (liijjs ran o\it in a prciit fright. 
 The ladies rushed in with much dcliijht." 
 
 [NoTK.— Those ff)\ir Indians came to Kn^laiul for the purpose of endea- 
 vouring' to recover lands whicli lutd be(Mi j^ivi-n to their tiil)e hy Louis the 
 Sixteenth, tuit it appears that tl\ey did not succeed. They were very 
 pious Koman Catholics, ai.d tliosc wlio saw them were much amased with 
 their simple and primitive manners —En.] 
 
 Extract of a Letter from Wnlter Broml -v, K.tq., (Intel London, ISth April, 
 
 1825. — Fro./t a H'llif/i.i A'. .S. /ifuwjiapi'r. 
 
 The Indian cliief, who accompanied me to ICngland, sailed in the \^'ard, 
 for New Brnnswick, a few diiys ujijo, headed with presents to hi.s family 
 and peopli;. I tlunk his apiieiirunce here l\as heen more benciiciai than if 
 volumes had been printed on Indian civilization, and I am in liope that 
 nt\ l)r)tli sides of the Atlantic a sencral symprdliy has heen excited. Tlie 
 four Canadian chiefs have attracted much attention, and have licen pre- 
 sented to his majesty by the 'orotlur of tlic late (iei.eral Brock ; they arc 
 the most mterestitijf characterb 1 ever saw — are extremely polite — and 
 speak I'rench fluently. 
 
 Mrs. (Lieut. Colonel) EUot* tn her sistor, in Gucrnsfi/. 
 
 QiEBEt', January 12, 1831. 
 
 With my kindest love to the Tuppers tell them 
 that I often see Colonel Glcgg, who was Sir Isaac 
 Brock's aide-de-camp : he is now Lord Aylmer's 
 civil secretary, and we meet very often. He speaks 
 affectionately of his ohl patron, and has made many- 
 inquiries relative to the family : the tears come into 
 Jiis eyes when he talks to me of old times. He and 
 George (Lieut. -Colonel Eliott) were a great deal 
 together during the war in the Tipper Province. The 
 other day, at dinner at the ciiateau, he told me that 
 he had had a visit from Sir Isaac's old housekeeper, 
 who is still living here in a similar situation to the 
 House of Assemblv, and gets £50 a year salarv. 
 He knew her directly, and seemed quite affected 
 when telling me thai she had brought her credentials 
 
 * Her husband, who distinguished himself in Upper Canada during the 
 war, was then scrviug on the staff in Lower Canada. 
 
 W' 
 
408 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPON'DKXCE OF 
 
 ii 
 
 'I 
 
 a 
 
 i .i 
 
 I >i i 
 
 I; 
 
 with her in case he Imd not recognized her, as many 
 years had ehipsed since fhcy met ; and she opened a 
 pocket hook carefully, ^v•llich she had in her hand, 
 and took a piece of a shirt with the initials of General 
 Brock's name, which she said she liad cat off when 
 the hody was broun;ht in to be hnried at Fort George, 
 and preserved it as a relic of her dear master. This 
 little, triflinj^, aifeciionate i^eniomhrance of the old 
 creature, shews her real attachment. Colonel Glegnj 
 j]jave her a new snuff box, filled a\ ith sjiutt' from Pa- 
 ris, and told her to come again to see iiiin. Perhaps 
 the Tappers will be pleased to hear this little anecdote, 
 
 [Mrs. Eliot, whose maiden name was J.-vne M'Crea, is the daughter of 
 an American loyalist and a gallant tield otticer, now deceased, and the 
 niece and namesake ot the untoituiiate Jane iM'Ciea, whose trafrical fate 
 in the Americr.n revolutionary war exeit?d so niiieh commisseration, and 
 pave rise to a correspondence In-tween the American >!:eneral, Gates, and 
 General Bnrgoyne. The former wrote: "Miss M'Crea, u young lady, 
 lovely to the sig-ht, of virtuous charai.ter and amiable disposition, engaged 
 to an ottieei' of your ann>, was with otlier women and children, taken out 
 of a hoiihC near Kort Kdward, carried into the woods, and there scalped 
 and mangled in a most shocking manner ... The miserahle iate of Misj* 
 M'Crea was iiartieularly aggravated by being dressed to receive her pro- 
 mised liii.-baiul, but met her murderer emiiioyed by you." The latter, 
 in his reply, stated, that "two chiefs, wl;o had brought her off for the 
 purpose ol security, P'lt of violence to her pc^rson, di^^puted which should 
 be her guar 1, and in a lit of .savage i)assiou in one, from whose hands .she 
 wa.s snatched, the unhappy woman In came the victim," ] 
 
 We have in a precedino; chapter described the mo- 
 nument, on Queenstown Heights, to the memory of 
 Sir Isaac Brock, a monument which " the popularity 
 of the general had caused to be regarded with more 
 affectionate veneration than any othi r structure in the 
 province." On Good Friday, the 17th of April, 
 1840,^ a miscreant, of the name of Lett, introduced a 
 quantity of gunpowder into this monument with the 
 fiendish ]»urpose of destroying it ; and the explosion, 
 effected by a triin, caused so mucli damage as to 
 render the column altogether irreparable. Lett, who 
 was by birth an Irishman and by settlement a Cana- 
 dian, had been compelled to fly into the United States 
 
 * On the same day, ten years previously, Sir Isaac Uroek's nephew, 
 extorore, colonel Tupper, was slain in Chile. 
 
 a 
 
I OF 
 
 3(1 her, as many 
 ml she opened a 
 ad in her hand, 
 litlals of General 
 lad cut off when 
 [ at Fort George, 
 ar master. This 
 -anee of the old 
 Colonel Glegg 
 h sputt' from Pa- 
 ?c him. Perhaps 
 lis little anecdote. 
 
 fre«, is the daughter of . 
 now deceased, and the 
 ica, whose tragical fate 
 u-h commissiTatioD, aud 
 ica.i Koncral, Gates, and 
 ^ M'C'rca, a young lady, 
 Khle disposition, cngagert 
 n and children, taken out 
 voods, and there scalped 
 •he mis^erahle late of Miss* 
 ressed to receive her pro- 
 Ed by you." The latter, 
 I brought hcv off tor the 
 n. ili.puted which should 
 |u.>, from whose hands she 
 ictim."! 
 
 descrihed the mo- 
 to the memory of 
 h " the popularity 
 Uarded with more 
 [u r structure in the 
 he 17th of April, 
 I Lett, introduced a 
 [lonurnent with the 
 
 and the explosion, 
 uch damage as to 
 luvahle. Lett, who 
 1 settlement a Cana- 
 
 the United States 
 
 [ir Isaac iJrock's nephew, 
 
 .4: 
 
 Sill I>AAC nilOCK. 
 
 40<) 
 
 for his sliare in the recent reheilion ; nnil *' well 
 knowinf; the feeling; of attaclmient to the iiainc ami 
 ineriiory of General IJrock, as pcrvailing all classes 
 of Canadians, he soufrht to <rrutifv his own malicious 
 and vindictive s|)irit, iiiul at tlio same time to wound 
 and insult the ))eo|ilo (jf l'p|)or Canada' hy tliis de- 
 mon's deetl. Tlio universal indi^^'nation of tli.it peojde 
 was aroused, and a public meeting was a|)|)ointod to 
 he held on (^u«'<^n8town Ilei^hts, on tlie 30th of July 
 followinn-, for the purpose of adoj)ting resolutions for 
 tiic erection t)f another monumjiit, the gallant Sir 
 Allan Mac Nab* especially making the most stirring 
 exertions to promote this great object. The gatljering, 
 as it was called, was observed in Toronto (late York) 
 as a solemn holiday ; the public offices were closed 
 and all business was susjiended, while thousands 
 flocked from every part of the province to testify 
 their alfection for the menu ry of one who, nearly 
 thirty years before, had fallen in i's defence ! History, 
 indeed, affords few parallels of such long cherished 
 public attaehmeiu. " Steam vessels, engaged for the 
 occasion, left their respective ports of Kingston and 
 Cohurg, of Hamilton and Toronto, in time to arrive 
 at the entrance of the Niiiirara river about ten o'clock 
 in the forenoon. The whole of tlicsc, ten in number, 
 then formed in line, and asecnded the river abreast, 
 with the irovernment steamer, containino; the lieute- 
 nant -governor, Sir George Arthur,! and his stalf, 
 leading the way. The British shore was lined with 
 thousands, and the ih-et of steamers filled with hun- 
 dreds, eacli shouting and responding to the cheers of 
 welcome from ship to shore, and from shore to ship 
 again. The landing being effected, the march to the 
 
 * " Sir Allan Mac Nab, a n;itivr nf fanada, is the son of a British officer, 
 who, ik'coratp<l witi\ tlurteen wounds, acconipauicd (ieneral Simcje to 
 the I'liper Province wli.Mi it was a dense and unpeopled wilderness." — i'lV 
 /■". B. Hmtd's rt^rent win-k. The Kmif^fitul. 
 
 t Colonel Sir Genrge ArUiur, kniii;ht, with the local rank of major- 
 general in fanada--he was created a bart)net in 1841, and in Jnnc, H42, 
 took hi'; scat as ijoverni.r of Uonibay, which cliicc he vacated through ill 
 health, in August, ibi6 _ 
 
 T 
 
 ■ -J^L^A.", -4-.M 
 
r, I' 
 
 ■ •'«' i iH j»a ifca - 
 
 410 
 
 LIFE / JD COURESPONnENCE OF 
 
 
 I'l^f^ 
 
 I, 
 
 
 ^^romid was .icconipanied by militiiry jx'i'Jrds and a 
 fine military band. The nul)lio ineetinr^ was then 
 held in the open air, near the foot of the monument, 
 and Sir George Arthur was in the chair. The reso- 
 lutions were moved, and speeches made, by some of 
 the most eminent and most elocjuent men, holdinf^ 
 high oHicial stations in the province;* and consider- 
 ing that amidst this grand and imposing asseml)lage, 
 there were a great number of veteran officers of the 
 Canadian militia, who had fought and bled with tlie 
 lamented chief, whose memory they were assembled 
 to honor, and whose monninent they had come to 
 re-establish over his remains, the enthusiasm with 
 which the whole mass was animated may easily be 
 conceived; while the grand and pictnrcjir|ue rombi- 
 naticii of natural ol)jects of scenery, beheld from the 
 heights on which they were met, and the brightness 
 of the day, added greatly to the eflect of the whole." 
 The gatheringt was attended by about 8,000 persons, 
 and the animation of the scene was increased by a 
 detaclimenl of the 1st dragoon guards, with their 
 bright helmets glittering in the sun ; and by the 93d 
 regiment, (Higl'.landers,) in full costume. 
 
 There were altogether eleven resolutions, of which 
 the fiftjj was the following : 
 
 Resolved, — That we recall to mind, with admiratiori and 
 gratitude, the perilous times in which Sir Isaac Brock led 
 the small recuhir force, the loyal and gallant militia, and the 
 brave and faithful Indian warriors, to oppose the invaders — 
 when his fortitude inspired couragd. and his sagacious policy 
 gave confidence, in despite of a hostile force apparently over- 
 whelming. 
 
 * Exclusive of tlic chief justice nnd Mr. Justice Macaulay, the speakers 
 were: His Excellency Sir Georpe Arthur , Sir Allan Mar Nab; Mr. Thor- 
 burn, M. P. P. ; Colonel the Hon. W. Morris; Colonel R. D. Eraser; 
 Colonel Clark; Mr. W. H. Merritt, M. P. P.; Licr.t. -Colonel .F, Bask in ; 
 Lieut. -Colonel Sherwood ; (. olonel Stanton ; Colonel Kerby ; Colonel the 
 Hon. W. Draper; Colonel Aniriis M'Donell; the Hon. Mr. Sullivan; 
 Lieut. -Colonel Cartwright ; Colonel IJostwick ; Colonel M'Dougal ; the 
 Hon. Mr. Justice Hagarman ; Colonel Rutton ; Lieut.-Colonel Kearnes , 
 Lieut. -Colonel Kirkpatrick; H. J. Boulton, Esq.; and Lieut. -Colonel 
 Edward Thomson. 
 
 t A public meeting of the Inhabitants of Montreal was also held in 
 that city, for the same purpose as that on Queenstown Heights. 
 
;E of 
 
 •y guards and a 
 ceting was then 
 f tbe monument, 
 ;liulr. Tlie r.'so- 
 iiade, by some of 
 ml men, liolding 
 • * and consider- 
 i)sin<j asseml>lri};e, 
 an officers of the 
 nid bled with the 
 V were assembled 
 iiey had come to 
 enthusiasm with 
 rpd may easily be 
 .ictinesquo combi- 
 /, beheld from the 
 luid the brightness 
 [ect of the whole.' 
 )Out 8,000 persons, 
 .;is increased by a 
 ruards, with tlicir 
 11 ; and by the 93d 
 
 solutions, of which 
 
 with admiratioTi and 
 Sir Isanc Brock led 
 iillant militia, and the 
 oppose the invaders- 
 id his sagacious policy 
 
 force apparently over- 
 ice Macaulay. the speakers 
 
 \UanMafNRl^! Mr.Thor- 
 is colonel R. »• Fraser; 
 
 :olona Kerby ; ^^«!«"?\*^^ 
 
 the Hon. Mr. Sal hvan ; 
 
 '. Colonel M'Dougal ; the 
 
 ,'. Lieut-Colonel Kearnes , 
 
 Esq "anil Lieut-colonel 
 
 Montreal was also held in 
 lenstown Heights. 
 
 SIB ISAAC IJHCCK. 
 
 411 
 
 We catmot refrain from transferring to these j)a<:fes 
 parts of the lon^ ajid cloqut-nt speech of llie chief 
 iusti(rff, Itobinsoti,* ^vllo on advancing to tlio front 
 of the }iii>^Mnirs to mov<. the si.xth resolution, was 
 rcceivec' ...uid tiie most, enthusiastic cheers. 
 
 If it were intended Sy tlio.se wljo committed this sliameful 
 oiitratje, tliat tlu- injury slionld l»e irreparabN', the scene 
 wliicli is tiow betort' us, on lliese interesting i...ipj...j, sliews 
 that they little nnderslood llie feelings of veneration for the 
 memory of BiiorK whicdi still dwell in the hearts of tlie peo- 
 ple of Upper Canada. No man ever established a bt'tter 
 claim to the aftVctions of a country ; and, in recallint:^ the 
 recollections of eight and twenly years, there is no difficulty 
 in accountin<;: for the feelintj which has brouy;ht us together 
 on this occasion, .imotiu; the many who are assembled here 
 from all parts of this prdvince, I know there are some who 
 saw, as I did, with f^rief, the body of the lamented general 
 borne from the Held on which he fell — and many who wit- 
 nessed, with me, the melancholy scene of his interment in 
 one of the bastions of l-ort George. They can never, I am 
 sure, forget the countenanees of the soldiers of that gallant 
 regimi-nt whieh In- had lung commanded, when they saw 
 deposited in the earlli the lamented officer who had fur so 
 many years bei'ii their pride; they can never forget the 
 feelings displayed by the loyal militia of this province, when 
 they were oonsigtiing to the grave the noble hero who had ao 
 lately achieved a glorious triumph in the defence of theii" 
 country: they looked forward to a dark and perilous futurcj. 
 and they felt that the earth was closing upon him in whom, 
 more than in all other human means of defence, their confi- 
 dence had been reposed. Nor can they forget the counte- 
 nances, oppressed with grief, of those brave and faithful 
 Indian warriors, who admired and loved the gallant IJrock, 
 who had bravely shared with him the dangers of that period, 
 and Mho had most honorably distinguished themselves in the 
 Held, where he closed his short but brilliant career. 
 
 • •«»»» 
 
 It has, I know, Sir, in the many years that have elapsed, 
 been sometimes objected, that General Brock's courage was 
 greater than his prudence — that his attack of Fort Detroit, 
 though it succeeded, was most likely to have failed, and was 
 
 * chief Justice Robinson is, from all wc hear of him, the most eminent 
 and talented man in liritish A'lierica. Sir Francis Head, who, in his work 
 Thi" Kmiifraiit, must hit^lily, uid, we believe, most justly euloi^izes his 
 public and pris-atc worth, sti.;os that he is a native born Canadian, and is 
 the son of a Briti>th officer, who served during the first American war, 
 and accompanied Cienurai Slmcoe to Canada. 
 
) t 
 
 41-2 
 
 IIFE AM) COKKF.SPONDKVt K OF 
 
 u 
 
 I. i'. 
 
 
 1: 
 
 ■!!'i 
 
 therefore injudicious — ninl Umt. a r>imilar raslmrss and want 
 of rool caloulutioii were displayed in llie inniiTicr of liis deatli. 
 
 Those «h() lived in Cpper Cnnadu while fhoo evi-nts were 
 pnssinjr, ('an t'orui a truer judi5:inent ; tliey know that what 
 may to some seem nxslmess, was, in fact, prudenee ; unless, 
 indeed, the defence of Canada was lo bo n't.vinioned, in the 
 almost desperaie eireunist;uiees in which 'jeicrai Urock. was 
 I)laced. lie had witii hiin bnt a liandliil o'' men. who 'lad 
 never been used lo military discipline — few, indeed, that had 
 ever seen actual service in the Held , and he knew it nnisl bo 
 some months before any considerable reinforcement eould be 
 sent to him. He felt, therefore, that if he coidd not impress 
 upon the enemy this truth, that — wherever a miijor-jicoeral 
 of the Jiritish army, with but a few gallant sohlit-rs of the 
 line, and of the brave defenders of the soil, eould be aspembled 
 against them — they must re' ire from tiit land which Ihey 
 fiad invaded, his cause was hopeless. If he had begun to 
 compare numbers, and had reserved his snuill force in order 
 to make a safer effort on a future day, then would thousands 
 upon thousands of the pe(ji»le of the neiglibourir.g States 
 have been found pouring into the western portions of this 
 province; and when at lat-t our mother country could Pend, 
 as it was certain she would, her armies to our assistance, they 
 would have had to expend their coiirajre and thoir stren^'th 
 in taking one strot,,. position after another, that had been 
 erected by the eneiny within our own territory. 
 
 A\ ' at the moment when the noble soldier fell, it is true 
 he fell in discharuing a duty which mitjht liave been com- 
 mitted to a subordinate hand ; true, he might have reserved 
 himself for a more deliberate and stronger ett'ort ; but he felt 
 that hesitation might be ruin — that all depended upon his 
 example of dauntless courage — of tearless self-devotion. Had 
 it pleased Divine Providence to spare his invaluable life, who 
 will say that his ettbrt would have failed ? It is true his 
 gallant course was arrested by a fatal wound — such is the 
 fortune of war; but the jieojde of Canada did not feel that 
 his precious life was thrown away, deeply as they deplored 
 his fall. In later periods of the contest, it sometimes hap- 
 pened that the example of General Brock was not very 
 closely followed. It was that cautious calculation, which 
 some suppose he wanted, which decided the day against us 
 at Sackett's Harbour — it was the same cautious calculation 
 which decided the day at Plattsburg ; but no monuments 
 liave been erected to record the triumphs of those fields — 
 it is not thus that trophies are won. 
 
 The Hon. Mr. Justice Macaulav, in niovincj the 
 third resolution, thus elegantly cxj)ressed himself; 
 
SIH ISAAC imoiK. 
 
 4Ui 
 
 »s and want 
 r h\* dentil, 
 events were 
 
 tliat whiit 
 ce ; unless, 
 ned, in the 
 i IJrdck. WHS 
 [i. who 'lad 
 ;(1, that had 
 V it nnisil bf? 
 -nt couhl be 
 not impress 
 ijor-'^i-iieral 
 liiers of the 
 ic assembled 
 whir^h they 
 id beijun to 
 ree in order 
 d thousands 
 ariiig States 
 ions of lliis 
 
 couhl send, 
 stance, they 
 jeir 9tren),'th 
 at had been 
 
 11, it is true 
 ; been com- 
 ave reserved 
 but he felt 
 ed upon his 
 otion. Mad 
 ble life, who 
 is true Iiis 
 -such is the 
 lot feel that 
 ley deplored 
 letiuies hap- 
 as not very 
 ation, which 
 figainst us 
 calculation 
 Tuonuments 
 lose fields — 
 
 Tiovinpj the 
 liruself : 
 
 It was not my good fortun ■ to nerve in the field under the 
 illnsfrions llrock, hut I was under his ooniinand for u -hort 
 jieriod when coininandant of the garrison of (^>uebec, thirty 
 years ago, and well rcuienduT his eoiiirratulaliug mo upon 
 i-eeeiving a counnisNiou in tlie army, uicouiitauied with good 
 wishes foi uiy welfare, vvliii>h I shall ni-ver forget. I h'el 
 myself a huniide sabaltern still when called upon to a(Mrei«H 
 Bueh an auditory, mid u|toM such a topic as the memory of 
 JJroek. Looking at tin aiiimaled muss covering these heights 
 in lrt-l(>, to do further honor to the iiufortunuie victim of a 
 war now old in history, one is prompted to ask, how it hop- 
 pens that the gallant general, who has so long slept the sleep 
 of death, left the lasting impression on the hearts of his 
 countrymen whidi this scene exhibits ; how comes it thut 
 ihe fame of Brock thus lluais do«i. thu stream of time, broad, 
 deep, and fresh as tlit^ waters of the famed river with whose 
 waters, it might be almost >aid, his life's blood miuKled? In 
 rejily, we might dwell upon his eivil and military virtues, his 
 patriotic self-devotion, his chivalrous gallantry, and his tri- 
 umphant fichiovements. fllere one of the auditors added, 
 '•and that he was an honest man" — an attribute most 
 warmly responded to one every side, for an honest man is 
 the noblest work of God.) Siili it micrht be askt.'d, What 
 peculiar jiersonal (piaiities predominated and gave hliu the 
 talismanic infiueuce and a-eendancy over his fellow men, 
 which lie acrpiired and \vieliled for his country's good? I 
 answer. Are there any seamen among you.' (Yes, yes, an- 
 swered from the crowd) — then I say it was the Nelsonian 
 spirit that animated his breast; it was the mind intuitively 
 to conceive, and the soul promj)tly to dare, incredibh,' things 
 to f eble hearts — with a skill and bearing which infus«;d this 
 chivalrous and enterprising spirit into all his followers, and 
 impelled them energetically to realise whatever he boldly led 
 the way to accompli-h. It displayed itself too, not only in 
 the ranks of the disciplined soldiers, luit in those also of the 
 untrained militia of Upper Canada, as was amply proved on 
 this memorable ground. Such were the shining and conspi- 
 cuous qualities of the man that have rendered very dear Ids 
 ni?inory and his tame. Gentlemen, the resolution which I 
 hold in my hand is expressive of the indignation felt through- 
 out the province at the lawless act, the eH'ects of which are 
 visible before us. 
 
 After the rcsolntiotis had been carried by acclatna- 
 tion, and the public pruccediii'is had terminated, (KK) 
 persons sat down to dinner in a temporary pavilion 
 erected on the spot wliere the hero fell, "Chief Jus- 
 
i 
 
 414 
 
 LIFU AND COUKESrONDKNCE OF 
 
 i 5 
 
 
 
 tico Robinson presldinj^; mid at tliis, ns rit tlio morn- 
 ing nicpfin^-, great elc;.|iu'n<'o was (lispIayiJ in \\u* 
 spc'Oflics, great loyalty evinctMl i'l the feelings, and 
 great entliupiasm prevailed." Alter llio queen's health 
 liad iiecn drunk, the chief justice rose and said : 
 
 I hnvo miw to propose ilie meniory of the late >];allniit Sir 
 Jsuuc Urock, of Colonol M'Donell, unci those wh- fell with 
 them oil C^ucenstown lle'e^htH. That portion of yon. mwitle- 
 ineii, who were inhabitniils of Upper CaiiiKiii while (icueral 
 lirook served in its defence, are ut no lost* to account for the 
 enthusiastic afl'ection with wliicli his memory is cherlslied 
 among us. It was not merely on account of liis intrepid 
 courujie and heroic firmness, neither was it solely because of 
 liis brilliant success while he lived, nor because he so nobly 
 Jaid down his liie in our defence; it was, I think, that he 
 united in his person, in a very remarkable degree, some rpia- 
 lities which are peculiarly calculated to attract the confidence 
 and ali'ection of mankind — there was, in all ho said and did, 
 that honesty of character which was so justly ascribed to him 
 by a gentleman who ]»roposed one of the resolutions — there 
 was an infiexible integrity, uncommon energy and decision, 
 which always inspin confidence and respect — a remarkable 
 union in his whole demeanour of benevolence and flrmie^s — 
 a peculiarly commanding and soldierlike aj)pearanee — n;^ ne- 
 rous, frank, and manly bearing — and, above all, an entire 
 devotion to his country. In short, I believe I shall best 
 convey my own impression, when I say it would have required 
 much more courage to refuse to follow General Brock, thaa^ 
 to go with him wherever he would lead. 
 
 **The meeting presented a proud display of high 
 and noble feelings, honorable to the memory of the 
 dead, and equally so to the character of the living. 
 It was conducted with great dignity and judgment, 
 and no accident occurred to interrupt the pleasures 
 of the day ; the steam vessels re-embarking their 
 passengers soon after sun-set, and conveying back the 
 individuals composing this congregated multitude to 
 their respective homes in safety." * 
 
 It having been resolved by the meeting that the 
 most suitable monument, to replace the shattered 
 
 * The extracts given in inverrted commas are from "Buckingham's 
 Canaila," that gcnUeman being at Toronto at the time, but unable from 
 illness to attend the " gathering." 
 
 
sill ItiAAC IIKOCK. 
 
 415 
 
 tlio luorn- 
 L'J ill llu< 
 in<:j«, and 
 Mi'b licalth 
 said : 
 
 pallniit Sir 
 lu, lull with 
 'ou, utMitle- 
 lile iiciieral 
 jiint lor the 
 9 clu'rishecl 
 Ills intropid 
 V beouuge of 
 lie 80 nobly 
 Ilk, that he 
 !, some qna- 
 i couttdotice 
 aid and did, 
 ribcd to him 
 ions — there 
 lid decision, 
 renmrkuble 
 1 ftrmi <'?3 — 
 CO — n^; ne- 
 11, an entire 
 I shall best 
 uve roquired 
 lirock, than^ 
 
 ay of hiph 
 ory of the 
 he living^, 
 udgmerit, 
 pleasures 
 iiig their 
 r hack the 
 ultitude to 
 
 cr that the 
 shattered 
 
 Buckingham's 
 it unable from 
 
 cohimn, would be an oheh'sk on the eito of the 
 mutihitcd structure, the roiniiiittte otKred a iircinium 
 for a desi<jfn, which, in February, IHA'A, was awarded 
 to Mr. T. Young, arciiitect to the university of king's 
 college, Toronto. The style of the intended ohelisk 
 is the siui|)lest and pun-st i'gyptian, the artist having 
 strictly avoiiJed all minuteness of detail in order that 
 the massive proportions of ihe ilesign might liannon- 
 i/.e with the hold and heautiful scenery hy which it 
 will be surrounded. The total height of tlic base, 
 pedestal, and obelisk, will !)e 17/5 feet. The obelisk 
 will nutasure ut the lower base Hi feet (5 inches square, 
 diminishiug to 10 feet at tho base of the upper, the 
 proportions of that known as Cleopatra's needle hav- 
 inj; been strictly adhered to. The estimated cost of 
 this obelisk is about ,£-"i,(X)0 currency, the materials 
 of the old monument being used as far as possible ; 
 and as above .£*4,(KX)* have already been oontribiited, 
 it is expected that the new structure will be commen- 
 ced in the spring of 184o.t 
 
 A concludinrr notice of Sir Isaac Brock's favorite 
 regiment will scarcely be deemed superfluous, al- 
 thouo-h, as the records of the 40th were destroyed at 
 the evacuation of Fort George, in May, 1813, we 
 cannot give many further details of its services pre- 
 vious to that period. It served in the American 
 revolutionary war, as, by the records still existing, 
 the Hank compaiues were to be })ermitted to wear, 
 the grenadiers a black, and the light company a red, 
 feather, for services at Bunker's Hill ; but the books 
 being lost, the regiment cannot shew the authority, 
 and consequently is not allo^^•ed this distinction. The 
 49th was repeatedly engaged in Upper Canada, and 
 was especially distinguished at the battles of Stoney 
 Creek and Chrystler's Form. The presence of mind 
 and resolution of one of the subalterns in that country- 
 
 * In 1841, the Six Nations of Indians had contributed tlie (for their 
 diminished numbers and limited means large sum of iil67. 
 
 t See Appendix A, Section I, Ko. 14. 
 
416 
 
 J.IFi: AND CORRESPONDENCE OP 
 
 f^ 
 
 ■ ■ * i 
 
 deserve a brief notice. In June, 1813, soon after the 
 affair of Stonev Creek, Lieutenant Fitz<;ibhon,* of the 
 4()t!i, was allowed nt his own request to range in front 
 of the enemy with tiftv chosen men of that rerjiment. 
 An American force of about f)()Ot officers and men, 
 incbulinp 50 cavalry and 2 field pieces, were detached 
 under Colonel Boerstler from Fort Georji,'e, on the 
 23d of June, to cut off Lieutenant Fitzg;ibbon's party, 
 then near the Beaver Dam, about 10 miles from that 
 fort. The next morninn;, thev encountered in the 
 woods aI)out 200 Indians, who fired upon them, 
 llearinj; the firint^, Fitzgibbon rode forward to recon- 
 noitre, and soon after sent for his party, consistin^r of 
 Lieutenant Winder, 3 sergeants, and 43 rank and file. 
 He found the eneniv, whose force ho distinctly as(,'er- 
 taincd, ocouftying an eminence cleared of timber; 
 and by the time his party came up, the Indians were 
 bejrinning to retire, but fortunately unknown to the 
 enemy. Fearing that the Americ.ans would now be 
 permitted to move off without further molestation, 
 Fitz<!:ibbon conceived the idea of suminoninfr- them to 
 surrender; and, after passing their front with his 
 men under a discharjje which did no execution, he 
 placed his small force in the woods with the apparent 
 intention of cutting oif the enemy's retreat. He then 
 shewed a white handkerchief as a Hag of truce, and 
 soon .after a white flag was hoisted over one of the 
 enemy's guns, when a captain of artillery came out to 
 meet Lieutenant Fitzgibbon. The latter magnified 
 the British force, and s|)oke of the impossibility of 
 restraining the Indians in the event of an attack. 
 After some little parley, during Avhich the 4i)tli de- 
 tachment was joined by Captain Hall and 14 provin- 
 cial drfigoons, Colonel Boerstler was finally allowed 
 only five minutes for a definite answer ; and, although 
 he had previously sent to Fort George for reinforce- 
 ments, he then agreed to surrender. Major de Haren, 
 
 * TIk: present Colonel Fitzgibhon, already mentioned. 
 
 t James, in liis "Military Occurrences," says 673 officers and men. 
 
3on after tlic 
 hon,* of the 
 mgo in front 
 at ren;iment. 
 rs and men, 
 ere detached 
 >rge, on the 
 )bon's party, 
 cs from that 
 [ered in the 
 upon them, 
 ird to recon- 
 consistintr of 
 ank and file, 
 inetiv aseer- 
 . of timber ; 
 [ndiaiis were 
 nown to the 
 ould now be 
 molestation, 
 ning them to 
 nt with his 
 xcculion, he 
 the apparent 
 It. He then 
 truce, and 
 one of the 
 came out to 
 majiiiified 
 )ossibility of 
 an attack, 
 le 41)th de- 
 d 14 provin- 
 ally allowed 
 nd, although 
 or reinforce- 
 )r de Haren, 
 
 1. 
 
 iccrs and men. 
 
 !r 
 
 SIR ISAAC nuOCK. 
 
 417 
 
 of the Canadian Fencibles, soon after came up with 
 about 220 men, but the entire nurit uf thii:^ capturing 
 23 officers and 41)0 non-com missioned officers and 
 privates of the regular army, (exclusive of 28 militia- 
 men, who were paroled,) with two field pieces and a 
 stand of colours, belonged to Lieutenant Fitzgibbon 
 and his small detn-jhrnent ; and he was accordiuirlv 
 promoted to a company.* In alluding to this event, 
 the jrallant officer wrote to a friend : '• W'htMi 1 brouirht 
 in these oOO prisoners and delivered them up to 
 General Vincent, I then thought I would Ikuc given 
 the world's wealth that General Brock were alive, 
 that I miiiht sav to him : ' Here, sir, is U)e first in- 
 stalment of my debt of gratitude to vou for ail vou 
 have done for me. In words I have never thanked 
 you sufficiently, because Mords could never express 
 my gratitude for such generous protec^tion as you 
 have hitherto unceasingly extended to me. " 
 
 In 1815, the regiment returned to I'.ngland, after 
 an absence of above thirteen years ; and in Janiiary, 
 1816, "in consequence of its doing duty ovir her 
 royal highness the princess Charlotte of U'ales, at 
 Weymouth, she was graciously plea'^ed to nominate 
 it her retriment.'' In December, 1821, the 49th em- 
 barked for the Cajio of Good Tfopcj and in 1828 
 proceeded on to Bengal. In April, 1840, the regi- 
 ment embarked for China, where it distinguished 
 itself, and suffered much from climate. In gaining 
 possession of tlie heights which overlook the city of 
 Canton, on the 2-')th of May, 1841, "as the two 
 brigades advanced together, there was some little 
 rivalry between the 40th and 18th reginu-nls, as to 
 which should have the honor of commencing the 
 attack upon the two forts. The 49th, having the 
 advantage of a shorter and perhu|)s rathtr better road, 
 got the lead, which they maintained ; so that the left 
 bricrade carried both the eastern Ibvts before the I8th 
 
 * i lie particulars of" this exi/oit arc abridged from " The Soldier's Coni- 
 paiiion, or Martial Recorder. " 
 
418 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OP 
 
 (t 
 
 came up, and with little loss." * In February, 1843, 
 after the Chinese hud been coerced into a peace, the 
 49th returned to Calcutta, and in the following month 
 embarked for Enfjland, where the head quarters 
 arrived on the 24th of Au<:;ust, after an absence of 
 nearly twenty-two years — an example of the arduous 
 service in which the British infantry of the line is 
 constantly engap^ed. The 49th, (the Princess Char- 
 lotte of Wales',) or Hertfordshire regiment, bears on 
 its colours and appointments the distinctions of Eg- 
 raont op Zee, Copenhagen, Queenstown, the Dragon, 
 and China. 
 
 Of Sir Isaac Brock's brothers, the eldest, John,t a 
 brevet lieutenant-colonel in the 81st regiment, was 
 killed in a duel, in July, 1801, at the Cape of Good 
 
 Hope, by Captain M ,; in consequence of his 
 
 liaving, as steward of a public ball, very properly 
 resisted the introduction, by his antagonist, of a 
 female of disreputable character. The second bro- 
 ther, Ferdinand, § a lieutenant of the (50th regiment, 
 was slain in the def-nce of Baton Rouge, on the 
 Mississippi, 21st Septtmher, 1779, at the early age 
 of nineteet). The third brother, Daniel De Lisle, a 
 man of distinguished ability, was bailiff and president 
 of the States of Guernsey. No chief magistrate of 
 the island was ever so beloved, honored, and regret- 
 ted, as Mr. Brock; and so universal was the feeling 
 of admiration for his talents and services, that the 
 Royal Court decreed him a public funeral at the 
 public expense — a tribute of respect never previously 
 paid by that body to any individual. || The ninth 
 
 * Bernard's NarraUve of the combined Naval and Military Operations 
 in China. London, 1844. 
 
 + Wliile an ensign in the 8th rejjiment, lie was quartered at Fort Niagara, 
 in July, l,"". 
 
 t Captain M , the son of a baronet, fell as a major and aide-de-camp 
 
 to Lord Lake, at tlie siege of Bhurtpore, in 1805, 
 
 ) Ensign 8th February, irr6; Lieutenant 25th December, irrs. 
 II For a brief memoir of him, see Appendix B. 
 
lary, 1843, 
 , peace, the 
 ivintr month 
 ,d (|uarters 
 absence of 
 the arduous 
 ' tlu^ line is 
 ncess Char- 
 nt, bears on 
 ions of Eg- 
 the Dragon, 
 
 jst, John,t a 
 Ljinient, was 
 ape of Good 
 nonce of his 
 ivy properly 
 jonist, of a 
 second bro- 
 h regiment, 
 3, on the 
 ic early age 
 De Lisle, a 
 id president 
 ajxistrate of 
 and regret- 
 the feeling 
 es, that the 
 eral at the 
 r previously 
 The ninth 
 
 jlitary Operations 
 I at Fort Niagara, 
 Ind aide-de-cainp 
 
 ler, 1778. 
 
 1 * 
 
 
 I 
 
 V 
 
 SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 41U 
 
 brother, Savery, wlio died on the 7th August, 1844, 
 has been already noticed; and the tenth, Irving, who 
 deceased in 1838, at Batli, was "the accomplished 
 translator of Bernier's Travels in India,'' and a 
 povvert'ul amateur writer in support of the government 
 in 1810, at a very ..-ventful and critical period.* Sin- 
 gularly enough, of the eiiiht brothers of this family 
 of the Brocks who reached maturity, no male d:!scen- 
 dant of their name is now in existence. Of their two 
 sisters, who grew to womanhood, tlie elder, Elizabeth, 
 now the only survivor of tbe family and in her 81st 
 year, married John E. Tujjper, Esq., of Guernsey; 
 and the youtjger, Mary, was the wife of Thomas 
 Potenger, Esq., of Compton, in Berkshire, first cousin 
 to the Countess of Bridgewater. 
 
 Of the five ne|)hews tnid one groat nephew of Sir 
 Isaac Brock, who have hitherto cnd)raced the profes- 
 sion of arms, not one survives, four of the former and 
 the latter having sadly and j)rematurely perished, 
 viz: first. Midshipman diaries Tapper, of his m;ijes- 
 ty's ship Primrose, drowned at Spithead, in 1-Slo, by 
 the upsetting of the boat in which he was accompany- 
 ing his conimander from Portsmouth to the ship; 
 second, Lieutenant E.W. Tuppor,!- his Majesty's ship 
 Sybille, mortally wounded in action with Greek pi- 
 rates, near Candia, on the 18th of June, iJS'itJ; tiiird, 
 Lieutenant William Potenger, adjutant !2'2d regiment, 
 died on the 19th November, 1827, of the fever, at Ja- 
 maica; fourth, Colonel W. I)e Vic Tupper,:}: of the 
 Chilian service, slain inaction, nearTalca, on the 17th 
 April, 1830 ; and, fil^th, the great nephew, Ijisign A. 
 Delacombe Potenger, § of the oth Bengal Native In- 
 fantry, while in command of the light company, was 
 killed bv a bullet which entered his breast, in the dis- 
 
 » 
 
 * One of his pamplilets went through four editions. 
 
 (• For a short nirnioir, sot' Appendix C. 
 
 t For a memoir, see Appendix I). 
 
 § The only son of the Rev. Ricliard Potengrer, mentioned n>it>'. With 
 iliis fine yotuiK man expired the latt liope of his family, and the continu- 
 ation of his line. 
 
420 
 
 LIFE AND COUHESPOXDENCE OF 
 
 astrous retreat of the British armv from Cabool, in 
 January, 1842. The rfmainininj nephew, Captain 
 Eugene Brociv, of tlie 20th rep^iment, died at Ber- 
 muda, in January, 1844. And to this melancholy 
 catalogue may be added the name of anotlier nephew, 
 John E. Tupper, who perished at sea in the Mediter- 
 ranean in 1812, and of whom mention has been made 
 in the preceding pages. 
 
 11 
 
 II 
 
 :ii! 
 
 I 
 
 I i~ 
 
 Our memoir is concluded, and even if in its 
 progress we have but feebly and imj)erfoctly narrated 
 the career and portrayed the character of him who is 
 the subject, we trust tliat our labour has not been in 
 vain, because we feel that we have rescued much 
 from oblivion, relative to his services in Canada, that 
 was hilherto unknown and unrecorded. To preserve 
 the memory of so good a man — to prolong, as it 
 were, a career which, unhappily for the interests of 
 ])' country, was too brief — to hold up his benevo- 
 lence in command as an example to other officers — 
 to prove to them that military discipline can be better 
 maintained l>y humanity and kindness than l)y harsh- 
 ness and severity — seemed to us little less than a 
 duly. Such were the feelings which prompted us to 
 undertake this work; end, in completing our task, 
 we are not without hope that the simple language of 
 soberness and truth will be preferred to a memorial 
 composed with more art, but dictated by less since- 
 rity. It has been well observed by Doctor Johnson, 
 "that there has rarely passed a life, of which a judi- 
 cious and authentic narrative would not be useful ; " 
 and perhaps this will not be thought the exception. 
 And should we in the course of these pages have 
 inadvertently fallen into undue panegyrism, that very 
 common error of biographer:,, our excuse must be, 
 that we could scarcely avoid eulogizing one of whom 
 it was written, soon after his untimely fall, by a 
 bosom friei?.d : " General Brock was indeed a hero, 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 421 
 
 Caliool, in 
 r, Captain 
 ed at Ber- 
 neiancholy 
 ?r nephew, 
 e Mediter- 
 bcon made 
 
 a hero in the only true and in the most extensive 
 sense, rcsembllnj; what history or fable ])a? repre- 
 sented, rather as the ofikprirjjr uf the imagination than 
 a personage that could have real existence, so entirely 
 was every great and good quality comprehended in 
 his character." 
 
 1 it in its 
 y narrated 
 liim who is 
 lot been in 
 ;ued much 
 aiiada, that 
 Co preserve 
 long, as it 
 interests of 
 ^is benevo- 
 officers — 
 n be better 
 by harsh- 
 ess than a 
 pted us to 
 our task, 
 anguage of 
 memorial 
 less since- 
 r Johnson, 
 Ich a judi- 
 e useful ; " 
 exception, 
 ages have 
 , that very 
 must be, 
 e of whom 
 fall, bv a 
 ed a hero, 
 
 [ SUPPLEMENTARY. ] 
 
 The three letters following were received too lato 
 to be inserted in their proper places : 
 
 Colonel Brock to James Cuthhert, Esq., Btrthicr, District of 
 
 Montreal. 
 
 Quebec, October 12, 1807. 
 
 You may well suppose that the principal subject 
 of conversation at head quarters is the military state 
 of this country. I have been careful, in justice to 
 you, to mention to Sir James Craig the public spirit 
 you have manifested in forming a company from 
 among the inhabitants of your seigneurie without the 
 least pecuniary aid, or any other assistance from go- 
 vernment. 
 
 His excellency is exceedingly ple.'sed to find a 
 principle in some measure established by your indi- 
 vidual exertions, the basis of which he means to pur- 
 sue in forming an extensive, and, he trusts, an effi- 
 cient system of defence ; and he requests you to state 
 the nature of the engagements under which the men 
 assemble for exercise, and the degree of service they 
 are under promise to perform. 
 
 You must be aware that in any future general 
 arranirement it will become an essential obiect with 
 government to secure a more substantial hold on the 
 services of the men than their mere promise ; and as 
 
422 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 i^ 
 
 it is intended to give every possible latitude to their 
 prejiuHces, and to study in every thing their conve- 
 uicnoe, it is thought no regulation to that effect can 
 operate to diminish the niiinber of voluntary offers. 
 
 As vou have been the first to set such a laudable 
 example, Sir James thinks it but just that Berthier 
 should take the lead in any new project he may 
 adopt, and he desires me to ask your opiniofj in 
 regard to the following points. 
 
 Governnjont will undertake cither to provide or 
 give an allowance for clothing. 
 
 Arms and accoutrements must, for obvious reasons, 
 be provided as far as practicable by the individuals 
 themselves. 
 
 One shilling: will be allowed everv time the volun- 
 tcer assembles for exercise, not to exceed thirty days 
 during the year. 
 
 The men to be bound to attend drill whenever 
 ordered, and to be in constant readiness to march to 
 any part of the province in case of euiergency, at llie 
 discretion of the governor-general. From the mo- 
 ment they receive the order to march, to be placed 
 precisely upon the same footing with his majesty's 
 regular troops in regard to pay and allowances. 
 
 Such are the chief conditions wliich I understood 
 Sir James to say he wished might be adopted : he, 
 however, will be always ready to attend to any sug- 
 gestion that tends to improve, and give spirit to, the 
 object in view. 
 
 A proportionate number of non-commissioned offi- 
 cers will unquestionably be allowed. 
 
 I can say nothing in regard to the officers — they, 
 of course,' will not be forgotten in the arrangement, 
 but they cannot expect to be exalted to such a height 
 as to interfere with the just pretensions of the regulars. 
 
 Being in some measure pledged for the success of 
 the ex})eriment, I shall be under considerable anxiety 
 until I hear vour sentiments. 
 
 Every consideration of policy ought to make the 
 
e to their 
 ;ir conve- 
 eH'c'ot can 
 ' offers. 
 I laudable 
 ; Berlhier 
 t he may 
 )piMion ill 
 
 )rovicle or 
 
 13 reasons, 
 ndividuals 
 
 the vol 11 n- 
 hirty days 
 
 whenever 
 [) inarch to 
 incy, at the 
 m the mo- 
 be placed 
 majesty's 
 nces. 
 
 understood 
 ted : he, 
 o any sug- 
 irit to, the 
 
 jioned offi- 
 
 ers — they, 
 angement, 
 
 ;h a height 
 
 e regulars. 
 
 success of 
 
 le anxiety 
 
 make the 
 
 SIR ISAAC DnOCK. 
 
 423 
 
 proposal to apj)car to come from yourself; therefore, 
 vvl»;n you consult those around you, it will be unne- 
 cessary to state your having received a coininuuication 
 on the subject. 
 
 Colonel Brock to James Citthbert, Esq,^ Berthier. 
 
 (^UEHKC, December 13, 1807. 
 
 You will do ine the justice to believe that I did 
 not lose a moment in laying the clear and satisfactory 
 s* aentyou sent me, '*' -> constitution and charac- 
 ter he volunteer coni,.any under your command, 
 before the governor. 
 
 His excellency has likewise seen your letter of the 
 7th instant, and I cannot more stronirlv express the 
 sense he entertains of your exertions, or more clearly 
 
 • ' • 
 
 point out the line he wishes you to pursue, than by 
 transcribing the note he wrote to me in consequence. 
 
 " Colonel Brock is requested to reply to Mr. Cuth- 
 bert's letter, that the governor has by no means lost 
 sight of his object, but that some le'^al diPicultiea 
 have arisen which are now under discussion, and 
 which he trusts will be got over immediately. Arms, 
 such accoutrements as we have, and a supply of am- 
 munition, are in readiness, and shall be forwarded as 
 soon as the business is brought to a conclusion ; but 
 Mr. Cuthbert must send a return of his people, that 
 the number requisite may be ascertained : more than 
 is indispensably necessary cannot be spared. 
 
 " Mr. C is requested to take every measure 
 
 for keeping up the spirit his people have hitherto 
 manifested, and he mav assure them that thecrovernor 
 will not be unmindful of it. '* (Signed) J. H. C." 
 
 That something w'll shortly be done there is no 
 doubt, although the prevailing idea here is .against a 
 war with our neighbours : they imagine the Americans 
 will not dare to engage in the contest, but as I consi- 
 der their councils to be directed solely b\ French 
 influence, it is impossible to say where it will lead 
 them. The true interests of that country will b'^ little 
 consulted in their decision. 
 
 .r-- \ 
 
424 
 
 LIFE ANT) CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 I' 
 
 i 
 
 Colonel Brock to James Ciithbcrt, Esq., Berthior. 
 
 MoNTKKAL, July 7, 1808. 
 
 Tt was only yosterday I rt'freived your letter of the 
 15tl) ultimo. I was cxceedin<rly ^|ad to lioar young 
 
 A liad been reinstated. 1 do not understand that 
 
 any transport is intended to proceed from this country 
 to England ; such transports as do come are merely 
 chartered out, and the moment they get rid of the 
 men, they have done with the service. Should I, 
 however, hear of a conveyance in which the ensigrn 
 may embark frte of expense, I shall not fail interfer- 
 ing in his behalf, but do not calculate upon such 
 good fortune. 
 
 Be assured the general has very substantial reasons 
 for objecting to any issue of arms at this time. Were 
 your corps the sole consideration, be satisfied he would 
 not hesitate a moment ; but he cannot shew you such 
 marked preference without exciting a degree of jea- 
 lousy and outcry, which might occasion unpleasant 
 discussions. 
 
 I am sorry you have deprived yourself of the very 
 handsofne dagger your partiality induced you to send 
 me. No such proof was required to convince me of 
 your friendship, and this additional instance can in 
 no degree aid to keep alive the fixed sentiments of 
 regard I entertain for you. 
 
 We have not a word of intelligence here, more than 
 what the Quebec pajiers give. The Americans ap- 
 pear to me placed in a curious and ridiculous predi- 
 cament. War with that republic is now out of the 
 question, and I trust we shall consider well before we 
 admit them as allies. 
 
 What can be the object in appointing you a justice 
 of the peace for Three Rivers ? Ross ought, 1 should 
 think, to have been nominated ; but you at such a 
 distance can be of very little good. A few dismissals 
 in that district would have been productive of consi- 
 derable benefit ; but it is a delicate affair to meddle 
 
sill ISAAC UKOCK. 
 
 4i>/> 
 
 hicr. 
 
 1808* 
 
 er of tlie 
 ar young 
 tantl tliat 
 s country 
 •0 mcrelv 
 id of the 
 Should I, 
 he ensi'^u 
 1 interfer- 
 ipon such 
 
 al renpons 
 le. Were 
 [ he would 
 ' you such 
 •e*e of jea- 
 unpleasant 
 
 the very 
 ou to send 
 nee me of 
 ice can in 
 tlnients of 
 
 more than 
 
 ricans ap- 
 
 ous prcdi- 
 
 ut of the 
 
 hefore we 
 
 
 
 u a justice 
 1 should 
 
 at such a 
 [dismissals 
 
 of consi- 
 Ito meddle 
 
 with tiic indopendenco of a juchje. Oh ! he is as vile 
 a fellow as ever fillcil the chair! Best regards anil 
 high respects. 
 
 [Tlie llonorahlo James (dthbcrt, the father of James and Ross Cuth- 
 hcrt, Es(|s., iiieiitioni'il in this volunii', sorvud in early lift' in tin' iiiu \ as 
 lieutenant in the tlair ship at the bictfi- of tartlia>;ena, ami carried Imnio 
 the intelligence of its fall •, he was iitti-rwnrds apiiointeil to tlie cumniand 
 • ■f one of the Inilependent ('(irniianies ar Inverness, called the lli.;iilaiid 
 Wateli, and was apiKiirited til the -I'id at its formation, lie w.is present, 
 In the ISth rejfiment, at tlio eaiitnre nt Lonistinri!:, and served under 
 ^^■()lfp at CJiiehee, tonveyinic lo Kiiffland the ilispatches of Hri(ja'!ier 
 Murray, to whom he was aide-do. canij). Me was appointed hy Lord 
 Dorchester one of the members ijf the tirst letrislative council alter tlu; 
 C()ni|iicst, havin); left the ainiy and " ■< .nic a settler in Canada. Durini? 
 the American revolutionary war, he i»«as particularly active, visitinif the 
 enemy's eam|i at Sorel to ohtuin iiiforniation, and in ci)nse(,uence he was 
 seized upon at Herthicr hy the Americans, who sent him in irons to 
 Alhatiy, hurnt th'j manor house, and destruyeil his property to a cunsiiler- 
 able amount ] 
 
 THE LAURliL OF GLORV. 
 Elegiac Stanza, on the Death of Mijor.Generul 'Sir Inniic Brock. 
 
 The laurel of plory eternal shall bloom, 
 Triumphant, and branch o'er the warrior's tomb I 
 O'er the patriot, that battled his eo\intry to save, 
 The laurel of glory shall cirele his grave. 
 
 Nor climate, nor season, nor time's iron hand, 
 E'er injure or sap it, in Britain's proud land ; 
 O'er the manes of the soldier, for ever shall wave 
 The laurel of glory, the meeil of the brave ! 
 
 Nor envy, nor faction's fell venom be seen, 
 
 To wither a leaf of its beautiful green I 
 
 Like the life buds of .spring shall new verdure e'er find. 
 
 And wave o'er the worth of the hero enshrin'd. 
 
 Tho' age after age may moulder away. 
 
 The fame of the patriot can never decay ; 
 
 Like the oak of the forest, each tempest can brave. 
 
 And the laurel of glory wave over liis grave. 
 
 I • 
 
420 
 
 LIFE AND CORUESPONDENCE OF 
 
 CHAPTER XVIIT. 
 
 ( JUSTIFICATORY, &c. ) 
 
 SIR GEORGE PREVOST, BART. 
 
 While the first sheet of this, the second, edition 
 was in the press, I accidentally met with " Some 
 Account of the Public Life of the late Sir Georpe 
 Prevost," published by his family in the year 182iJ, 
 in reply to the strictures on his military -character, 
 contained in the Quarterly Review for July, lt<22. 
 Of the existence of this volume I was previously igno- 
 rant, and T think that it successfully refutes some of 
 those strictures, the vituperative spirit of which is 
 much to be regretted, the more so as that spirit has 
 been copied i)y later writers w'th increased acrimony, 
 — one dismissing this unforl mate officer with the 
 following cruel malediction : '* Disease and a natural 
 death saved him from the vengeance of military law ; 
 but as a warning and example may shame and infamy 
 rest upon his grave ! " * It is true that, unhappily for 
 his fa^'ie as a soldier, he sought to oppose the vis 
 inerticv, to the enemy's insatiable thirst for the con- 
 quest of the Canadas, a mode of defence only suited 
 to arid deserts or a pestilential climate ; but the 
 Quarterly and its copyists do not appear to have been 
 aware that the British government approved of Sir 
 George Prevost's pacific policy at the commencement 
 of the war, as on the 1st of October, 1812, or before 
 the refusal of the American president to ratify the 
 
 * Victoria! History of England. 
 
SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 427 
 
 id, edition 
 h *' Some 
 Jir Georpe 
 year 182^3, 
 ^liaracter, 
 uly, lt<22. 
 ously igno- 
 ;es some of 
 f wliich is 
 ,t spirit has 
 acrimony, 
 r with the 
 d a natural 
 litary law ; 
 nd infamy 
 lappily for 
 ose the vis 
 jr the con- 
 only suited 
 ; 'but the 
 have been 
 ved of Sir 
 mencement 
 2, or before, 
 ratify the 
 
 unuistice was known in Knglaiid, K.iri J3athurst wrote 
 to the governor-<^ener!il : ♦' The desire whicli you 
 have unceasinj^ly nuinifosfod to avoid hostilities with 
 the suhjetUs of the United States, is not more in con- 
 formity with your own feeling's than with the wislies 
 and intentions of his majesty's ;^overnment, and there- 
 fore your oorrcHpondonce witli General Dearborn 
 rannot fail to receive their cordial concurrence.'' 
 Givinf^, however, Sir Georj^c I'rijvost every benefit 
 of this approval, my opinion, as expressed in this 
 memoir, of his defeuiive course after the rejection of 
 tlie armistice, and while the British were in the 
 ascendant on the lakes, remains unchanged. I'liat 
 lie was an able provincial governor, as well as an 
 amiable man in private life, and that in his military 
 station he anxiously exerted himself to the best of liis 
 ability, 1 see reason to believe; but although I think 
 that his friends labour in vain in attempting to con- 
 vince the public that he was either a skilful or an 
 energetic conirnander, or that the deplorable affairs 
 of Sackett's Harbour and Plattsburg were not dis- 
 graceful to t'le British arms, yet they may justly 
 urge his early services, his limited force at the outset 
 of the American war, and his redeeming cpialities in 
 a civil capacity, as entitling him to the indulgent, if 
 not to the favorable, judgment of posterity. — F. B. T. 
 
 SIR ROGER HALE SIIEAPFE, BART. 
 
 Having ascertained from this officer himself, after 
 the sheet containing the account of the afternoon con- 
 flict at Queenstown had been struck off, that his force 
 on that occasion amounted to only 740 men, including 
 less than 50 Indians, his evidence as to this disputed 
 point would of course be quite conclusive, if unfor- 
 tunately he had not forgotten whether the officers are 
 included in this number, so that he evidently is not in 
 possession of the ojficial returns. I therefore feel 
 
 i . 
 1 ! 
 
428 
 
 lAVV, \xr» COiniKSPONDRNrE OP 
 
 f 
 
 called upon, in my own jaytificnlion, to cite the autho- 
 rities on which I have stated tiiat force as *' rather 
 e\coedin'4 1,(M)0 men of uU jjradts, of whom nearly 
 ()()() were rcgiilurs," (see pa^o JKiJi, ) not thinking it 
 just to enumerate the entire lorce on the American 
 side, and to dediu't a tithe on that of the Britisl), by 
 ineludinfj rank and file only. 
 
 1. — Major-Crerjeral Sheallc's own dinpafch, a«quot- 
 c;tl in foot note at pajre IVX]. lie moreover mentions 
 fttH'hu' otiicers as commanding llunk companies of the 
 Jiincoln and York militia, whicli, at only IJ'"J mei\ pur 
 company, would ^ivc 420 militia. 
 
 ii. — James, the celebrated naval historian — who, 
 in his "Military Occuvrcnces" of the secoml Ame- 
 rican war, appears to be sinj»ularly accurate in his 
 hf.atements, although often minute to tediousness — 
 after mentioning that about 50 Indians, under the 
 chief Norton, attacked the Americans, and that they 
 retired, after a sharp conflict, " towards the reinforce- 
 ment of regulars and militia, under Major-General 
 Sheafle, which had just arrived from Fort George, 
 adds : "This reinforcement, consisting of about OSO 
 rank and file of the 4lst regiment, under Captain 
 Derenzy, and about 0(K) militia, accompanied by one 
 3-p()under, joined the remnant of the40lli flank com- 
 panies ; and the whole proceeded to the lieights, by a 
 route througli the enclosures ; the Indians pointing 
 out to the troops the best track for ascending the 
 mountain. As soon as the British column had reach- 
 ed a field adjoining the road to the falls, about GO of 
 the 41st, under Captain Bullock, and a party of 
 militia, arrived from Chij)pawah, Tiie wjjole British 
 and Indian force, thus assembled, did not amount to 
 1 ,000 rank and file, of whom about r>00 w ere regular 
 troops." 
 
 3. — "General Sheaflo soon came up with a rein- 
 forcement of 300 men of the 41st regiment, two com- 
 panies of militia, and '2fj»0 Indians. Reinforcements 
 having also arrived from Chippawah, the British gene- 
 
} tlie autho- 
 Hi " rallicr 
 liom marly 
 
 tl)iiiUii)({ it 
 .' AiiH'rican 
 
 Britisli, l>y 
 
 tell, iisquot- 
 
 er mcnfioiH 
 
 >Hnirs of liu^ 
 
 ;i'j men per 
 
 )rlan — who, 
 ocoml Arne- 
 'iiratc in his 
 }(liousiiess — 
 ^, under the 
 ind that tliey 
 lie reinfbrce- 
 ajor-General 
 I'^ort Georp:c', 
 ' ahoiit 'JHO 
 ler Captain 
 micd by one 
 flank com- 
 leights, by a 
 ans pointing; 
 ^ccndinjj; the 
 n had reach- 
 about 00 of 
 a party of 
 ,-holo British 
 ,ot amount to 
 nerc regular 
 
 \vith a rein- 
 nt, two coni- 
 inforcernentd 
 British genc- 
 
 »in i?\Ar niiocK. 4'JU 
 
 ral rolloctod his wIioIp forcr, anu)untinf5 to upwarcU 
 olbUO men,'' ko.. — Christie's Mcniuirs. 
 
 4. — A militia oHieer, in a MS. copy of n lonj: Icfftr 
 brforo rnc, dated Brown's Point, Nia;,'ara, October 
 l.l, 181*2, after dcecM-ibintj both tlir niornini; and after- 
 noon contlict'4 at Queent.ff'\vn, in the former of \\ Inch 
 he was wounded, nays: " Bat (General Slieiitle arriv- 
 ing; from Niagara witii a detachment of the 4l8t of 
 about 300 men, some militia, and about vJoO Indian*!, 
 and bcinjx joined by all that lie could collect of the 
 troops who were oriLiinaliy eujLMj.'ed, tliey ascended 
 the mountain some distance to the rij^ht of the Ame- 
 ricans," &c, 
 
 •'). — A correspondent in the United Service Mapja- 
 zine for iM arch, 184(1, pa e 441, who \\;is serving; in 
 Canada with the 41st re^Minent when the battle of 
 Queenstown was fou^dit, remarks: '* It is no dispa- 
 raijcinent to thsi^allantrv of the 40th n^jriiiient to av, 
 tliat they were beaten at QueenstoN. ii, but i, is never- 
 theless true that, \inable to kec fi their '*•■> t,nd, they 
 were driven down the mounlaiu, and div. not resi":ne 
 the offensive until, \\ht'n the ener.y vore in full j os- 
 session of tlie heights, the 41st (4(0 strong) 'nade 
 their aj>pcarance from Fort Ceorge, under Captain 
 Derenzy, and the grenadier company, mustering 
 nearly 100 bayonets, under Captain Bullock, from 
 Chippawah." 
 
 With these authorities before me, I estimated, and 
 I tliink reasonably, Major- General Sheaffe's total 
 force as follows : 
 
 From Fort George, 41st foot 4(X) 
 
 Militia 'Zm 
 
 ,, Chippawah, 4. * r^renadiers iK) 
 
 Remnants of 49th flank companies 100 
 
 „ of milit?a, engaged in the morning 100 
 
 E.XiUsive of the Indians 980 
 
430 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONnENCE OF 
 
 1/ ' 
 
 m 
 
 f [ 
 
 ( I 
 
 H 
 
 Sir Rorjer Sheaff'e liavins: evinced so mucli cour- 
 tesy and good feeliijcj in a correspondence between us 
 relative to this Memoir, which he commenced by 
 sendinfj me various documents, " being willinjj to 
 believe that I was in search of truth," 1 gladly seize 
 this opportunity of recoriling my sense of the gentle- 
 manly manner and tone of his communications, which 
 liave indeed fully justified the opinion entertained of 
 him by one of my informants, who is "as gallant an 
 officer as ever lived," (I quote this character of my 
 informant from the Naval and Military Gazette,) and 
 who, after detailing the causes of the deplorable 
 mutiny of the 4i)th regiment at Fort George, in 1803, 
 writes : ** But he at length became a good conmiander 
 of a regiment, for he was at heart kind, benevolent, 
 and religious ; but these sentiments were, in his ear- 
 lier days of command, nearly, if not entirely, over- 
 ruled by his extreme id?as of military authority, and 
 by his high opinion of his talent for drill, and ot his 
 unqualified zeal in the public service." In justice to 
 Sir Roger Sheaffo, I also willingly add, that .mother 
 gallant officer of the 49th, Lieut.-Colonel IMender- 
 leath, who was present at Fort George when the 
 mutiny was suppressed, and from whom I sought 
 information on the subject, in his reply expressed 
 *' the high regard he entertained of Sir Roger Sheatfe's 
 great benevolence and love of doing kind offices," 
 and his conviction '* that no officer ever had more at 
 heart the good of the soldier." Having done this 
 justice to Sir Roger Sheafie, I may perhaps be per- 
 mitted, as " the moping owl does to the moon com- 
 plain," to mourn that this love of doing kind offices 
 Ava^ not, alas I extended to a youth who had not only 
 some claim on his kindness, but possessed many of 
 the characteristics of " the admirable Crichton," and 
 whose cruel disappointment and untimely fate have 
 been one of the embittering circumstances of mv exis- 
 tencc. M;- present emotions on this painful subject 
 are, however, more those of )rrow than of resent- 
 
much cour- 
 ; between us 
 imcnced by 
 r willing: to 
 gladly seize 
 f the gentle- 
 itions, which 
 ntertained of 
 as gallant an 
 racier of my 
 :;azelte,) and 
 e deplorable 
 rgo, in 1803, 
 1 commander 
 , benevolent, 
 •e, in his ear- 
 ntirely, over- 
 LUlhority, and 
 11, and'ot his 
 In justice to 
 , that another 
 ,nel IMender- 
 jfre wlicn the 
 om I sought 
 jly expressed 
 ofjjer Slieatte's 
 ind offices," 
 had more at 
 ntr done this 
 Irhaps be per- 
 e moon com- 
 ^ kind otfices 
 1iad not only 
 Issed many of 
 Irichton," and 
 ely fate have 
 9 of my exis- 
 inful subject 
 [an of resent- 
 
 n 
 
 1 
 
 SIR ISAAC BUOCK, 
 
 431 
 
 ment, because Sir RoGjor Slieatfe lias written to me 
 with a feeling which does him honor, tbat, " being 
 unable to assist my hrotlier, he vvould derive comfort 
 from the belief that Sir Isaac Brock's nephew could 
 need no aid from him." It has been asserted, and 
 may again be urged, that what I conceive to have 
 been the ungenerous treatment of mv brother lias 
 prompted me to speak disparaginjjly of Sir Hoger 
 Shejiffe's services in ('i^por Canada; but while I 
 caiididly admit that this impression has enabled me 
 tj write more impartially of General Sheafle than I 
 could have done had I felt under obligation to liim, 
 I unequivocally deny that I have narrated one word 
 which my authorities did not bear me out in believing 
 to be strictly true. When I informed Sir llocfor 
 Sheaffe that the second edition wa< in tlie course of 
 publication, I told him : *' In that edition Mr. Tupper 
 thinks it due to Sir Roger to tell him candidly that 
 he has not hesitated to narrate wlial be believes to be 
 facts ;" and indeed I hold that truth is not always to 
 be withheld because its expression may wound the 
 feelings of public men, whose official acfs have sub- 
 jected them to public censure — if it were, history 
 and biography would cease lo be guiding stars, and, 
 above all, would offer no wholesonu; restraint to the 
 cruel, or corrupt, or incompetent exercise of autho- 
 rity. Had I thrown the wJiolt blame of the conspi- 
 racy at Fort George on the unfortunate t-uiierers, so 
 ns to exonerate their commander, and shield mvself 
 from personal responsibility, I should have written 
 what I believed to be false, and, to y-pare the livintj, 
 liave committed a gross injustice on the memory of 
 the dead. It is, however, very probable that the 
 mutineers were not altogether blameless, as the proxi- 
 mity of the United Slates possibly rendered them 
 impatient of discipline and desirous of change ; but 
 certain it is, that at their trial they urged Colonel 
 Sheaffe's rigour in extenuation of their cruilty design, 
 and I am assured by an officer of the 40th, that they 
 
 
432 
 
 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF 
 
 were in a great measure the victims of languajje and 
 annoyance, which were too prevalent in the BritiiJh 
 armv in those days, but which would not now be 
 tolerated for a moment. F. B. T. 
 
 'I 1 
 
 i ! 
 
 I: ' 
 
 41sT, (the welsh,) regiment. 
 
 In the United Service Man;azine for March, 1846, 
 there is an able but plausible commentary on Sir 
 Isaac Brock's unfavorable opinion of the officers of 
 the 4Ist regiment in 1812, as ex])ressed in the preced- 
 ing correspondence. This commentary, signed in the 
 Welsh motto of that regiment, " Gwell augau neu 
 CiiwiLYnD," i*, however, descri|)tive of great admira- 
 tion of the general, as among otlier tributes of praise, 
 the author observes : '* That no soldier, who has ever 
 had the honor of serving under him, could entertain a 
 liighcr opinion of General Brock than I do, will be 
 made sufficiently a|)parent to the compiler," &;c. The 
 author states himself to have been a young volunteer, 
 swerving with the 41st for his commission at the cap- 
 ture of Detroit; and he asserts, that not ordy is the 
 charfje of that regiment beinixbadlv officered an erro- 
 neous one, but '* that a liner bodv of officers was 
 never united in the same corps." In proof of this 
 assertion, he gives several instances of their personal 
 intrepidity, and adds that, as " General Brock wa^ 
 never more correct than when he describt-d the men 
 as an uncomnionly fine regiment," so '* the officers 
 were not less ren)arkable for the raatdiness and ele- 
 gance of their appearance." 
 
 It is very possible that Sir Isaac Brock may have 
 been mistaken in his estimate of the officers of the 
 41st; but it mtist be borne in mind, that Colonel 
 Proctor was the only regimental field officer with tlie 
 corps at that time, and that, owing to its having been 
 so long in Canada, the promotion had been unusually 
 slow, two of the captains being brevet lieutenant-colo-. 
 
SIR ISAAC nnocK. 
 
 43:i 
 
 nptun'Te and 
 the .Brilii?li 
 not now be 
 F. B. T. 
 
 T. 
 
 larch, 1846, 
 itury on Sir 
 lie officers of 
 n the preced- 
 pigned in the 
 
 ,L AUGAU NEU 
 
 rreat admira- 
 ites of praise, 
 who has ever 
 Id entertain a 
 I do, will be 
 lor,"&c. The 
 n" volunteer, 
 3n^ at the cap- 
 lot only is the 
 cercd an erro- 
 officers was 
 proof of this 
 their personal 
 lal Brock was 
 |ril)t'd the men 
 the officers 
 iness and ele- 
 
 lock may have 
 lofficers of the 
 that Colonel 
 tfficer with the 
 having been 
 )een unusually 
 ieutenant-colo- 
 
 nels, and two others brevet majors. Even these 
 brevet officers aj)pear to iiavc been a})sent, as they 
 were nut at Detroit ; and at Qucenstown nearly r>(M) 
 men of the 41st were coniniamled l)y a captain. 
 Tiiese disadvantages, added to the dispersed state of 
 the regiment for many years, were sufficient to repress 
 the energies of the most zealoi's, and to account for tjic 
 inexperience and inefficiency of any body of officers. 
 My assailant — I use the term because I cannot 
 conveniently designate liiin by his long signature — 
 tliinks it very ungrateful in Sir Isaac lirock to liave 
 held the opinion he did of officers to whom lie was 
 principally indebted for his knightliood of the Buth 
 at Detroit ; but he forgets to add, that the general 
 crossed the river to attack the enemy, contrary to ilie 
 opinion of Colonel l*roclor, of the 41st; and that of 
 the British force, composed of KJi^) regulars, militia, 
 and Indians, only •2")0nicn belonged to that rcixin)enf, 
 or less than one-fil'th uf the whole number ! .Surely, 
 the detachments of the royal artillery and Newfound- 
 land regiment, the 40() militia, and the (><MJ Indians, 
 (among them the noble Tecumseh,) are entitled to 
 Bome credit on tliis occasion. Not having stated in 
 the Memoir that the batJle of (^ueenstown was gained 
 by Sir Isaac Brock, 1 caimot comprehend how lie, 
 as my assailant insinuates, was again chiefly indebted 
 to the 41st for a victory which he never won. There 
 were two conflicts at (Qucenstown, the morning and 
 the afternoon ; in the lurmcr, Sir Isaac Brock and 
 his gallant provincird aide-de-camp, Lieut. -Colonel 
 M'Donell, fell ; and 1 have often v.ondered tir.it the 
 American genera!, seeit)g the backwardness of his 
 troops in crossing over to reinforce their companions 
 on the British side of the river, aiid well knowing 
 the irreparable loss which the latter had inflicted, did 
 not recall the invaders, as he must liave expected that 
 they would be quickly attacked by at least equal 
 numbers. In the second or afternoon conflict, the 
 invaders were so completely crest-fallen by the rough 
 
 / 
 
434 
 
 APPENDIX A. — SECTIOV I. 
 
 ,1; 
 
 handling they had experienced in the morninc^, and 
 by the refusal of tlieir comrades to join thern, that 
 on tlie advance of tlie British they fled and surren- 
 dered with the utmost precipitation. Certain it is 
 that the 41st had not more than two men killed 
 throughout the day ; and as Lieutenant Crowther, of 
 that regiment, wlio was acting as an artillery oflicer 
 in the morning, had probably a few of his own corps 
 with him as gimners in the batteries, these two men 
 may have fallen in the first engagement. 
 
 1 have too high a conception of the matchless 
 prowess of British soldiers to exult much in such a 
 victory as that of Queenstown, and especially when 
 I feel that the loss far exceeded the gain, but of its 
 successes at Frenchtown and Miami the 41st mav be 
 fairly proud ; and, as far as my limits would admit, 
 I have endeavoured to do justice to its gallantry on 
 those occasions. Would that I could throw a veil 
 over its unfortunate surrender at the Moravian town, 
 in October, 1813, just a year after the death of Sir 
 Isaac Brock ; but as this surrender is matter of his- 
 tory, and rendered more notorious by Sir George 
 Prevost's general order, (see page 370,) I may be 
 permitted to tell my assailant that before he attempts 
 to impugn Sir Isaac Brock's opinion, he should first 
 establish the incorrectness of that general order, one 
 which I believe has no parallel for severity in the 
 British army. Indeed, it goes far to prove General 
 Brock's penetration and judgment, as perhaps the 
 reader will think with me that the officers were in 
 some measure to blame for a defeat which called forth 
 so much censure and reproach. 
 
 My assailant accuses me of want of " good taste 
 and sound judgment" in not omitting the remarks 
 relative to the officers of the Ust ; but after the lapse 
 of thirty-three years, when I knew that not an officer 
 of 1812 remained in the regiment, I srw no necessity 
 for suppression ; and yet he does not hesitate to 
 ascribe the surrender at the Moravian town to the 
 
! 
 
 SIR ISAAC BROCK. 
 
 435 
 
 )rninc:, and 
 thein, that 
 and surren- 
 >ertain it is 
 men killed 
 >owther, of 
 llery officer 
 is own corps 
 ;se two men 
 
 le matchless 
 ch in such a 
 ecially when 
 n, but of its 
 41st may be 
 vould admit, 
 gallantry on 
 throw a veil 
 )ravian town, 
 death of Sir 
 latter of hls- 
 Sir George 
 I may be 
 e he attenipls 
 i should first 
 ill order, one 
 verity in the 
 rove General 
 perhaps the 
 cer? were in 
 called forth 
 
 "crood taste 
 the remarks 
 fter the lapse 
 not an officer 
 V no necessity 
 t hesitate to 
 town to the 
 
 '.) 
 
 i 
 
 ^^ incafanUf' of Major-Grneral Proctor, who was 
 so long lieutenant-coionol of the 41st, and who led 
 the regiment to its trophies at Fnnchtown and Miami. 
 Sir Isaac Brock wrote generally, and ** with few 
 exceptions" — my assailant names an officer lonsr 
 deceased, wliose incapadty^ if the charge be well 
 founded, would afford an additional argument against 
 himself, on the principle of *' like master like man," 
 or on that of a good colonel making good officers, 
 and a bad one the reverse. 
 
 I am really not aware, as my assailant accuses me, 
 of having drawn any invidious comparison between 
 the 41st and 49th regiments, and it was certainly 
 never my intention to do so : they both did good 
 service in Upper Canada, and if the character of the 
 former suffered at the Moravian town, it has since 
 amply redeemed its reputation in Ava and Candahar, 
 at Ghuznee, and in Cabool. 
 
 1 cannot conclude this reply without adding how 
 sincerely I respect the motives which ha\'o induced 
 my assailant to come forward with so much tact and 
 ability to the rescue of his former companions in 
 arms ; and he perhaps will do me the justice to 
 believe, that in this reply I seek not so much to 
 vindicate my editorial labours as to uphold the 
 memory of one whom he highly eulogi/.es and yet 
 indirectly arraigns, as fiiiling in discrimination and 
 gratitude. F. 13. T. 
 
 We trust that we shall not be deemed jjuiltv of a 
 breach of confidence in giving extracts from a very 
 long letter from Chief Justice Robinson, in reply to 
 our solicitation that he would have the goodness to 
 point out any error which he might discover in the 
 first edition of this work. Although this letter was 
 written in haste, and certainly not intended for publi- 
 cation, it does no little credit to the head and heart 
 of its author. 
 
43(5 
 
 APPENDIX A. — SEfTIOX I. 
 
 > ■ t 
 
 Chief Justice Robinson to F. li. Ttipper, Esq. 
 
 Toronto, Janimry 1{), 184G. 
 
 The perusal of the Life of Sir Isaac Brock has certainly 
 convinced me tiiaf he only r<'r)iiiied a more enlart^ed sphere 
 of action to ha\e risi ii rapidly to an eminence which few 
 men are pcrnnited to attain. Though I was old enough to be 
 upon Mie expedition to Detroit, and m the action at Queens- 
 town, I \sas too young to h(! in a i)osilion to know more of 
 General Brock than could he observed by seeing him in 
 jjublic, but I ntniii a very distinct reeolleotion of hi-* person 
 and manner. I hail always thought of him, more exclusively 
 I now see than was just, as a man admirably qualified to 
 distinguish himself as a soldier ; hut it is quite evident from 
 his correspondence that he valued highly the endowments of 
 the mind, and was ardently bent oji improvin-j: them. lie 
 was master too of a style clear, accurate, and pleasing. If ho 
 had been thrown, in the course of his service, into situations 
 which required the afiplieatiun of various j)owersof (he mind, 
 he would have earned, I am persuaded, no small portion of 
 such praise as has been awarded to the great and good Lord 
 Collingvvood. It isnmnilVst from what was seen of him in his 
 brief but most arduous service here, that besides iiis heroic 
 courage, he possessed most, if not all, of those great qualities 
 whiclj can alone enabh? a man to mainlain a ditficult and 
 highly responsible statioji with credit, He was not only 
 clear and decuU'd ui his plans, but rapid and fearless in their 
 execution, and could direct his attention to various points at 
 the same moment, foreseeing difticuUies, and preventing 
 them by timely aitplication to details. Provi<lence placed 
 liim here in a position in which his services were of immense 
 value, filling, at a moment of great peril, n post which 
 scarcely anotiier man could so nobly have sustained — but he 
 was formed lor gre-jter things .... 
 
 I do most sincerely believe that no person whom I have 
 ever seen could >o instantly have infused, under such discou- 
 raging cireumstanees, into the miutls of a whole people, the 
 spirit which, though it endured h)iig after his fall, was really 
 caught from lum. His lioiiesfy, firmness, frankness, bene- 
 volence — his earnest warmth of feeling, combined with dig- 
 7iity of manner, and his soldierlike ni)pearanee and bearing — 
 all united to give him the ascendancy which he held from 
 the first moment to the last of his command. It seemed to 
 be impressed u])on all, and at once, that there could be no 
 hesitation in obeying his eall, and that, while he lived, all 
 was safe. The atFeetiou with wliich the memory of General 
 IJrock has ever been regarded in this province is as strong as 
 the feeling of admiration, and these feelings still pervade the 
 whole population. 
 
S»R ISAAC BROCK 
 
 437 
 
 ;r, Esq. 
 
 :,ry IJ), 1B40. 
 
 has certainly 
 iilart];t'd spbere 
 nee which few 
 d tniougli to be 
 :ion ut Qiiecns- 
 
 kiiow more of 
 
 seeing him in 
 II of hi"* person 
 if)ro exchisively 
 jly qualified to 
 tf evident from 
 endowmenta of 
 in'j: tlieui. He 
 pleasiiiu;. If he 
 , into situations 
 ers of the mind, 
 small portion of 
 t :ind pood Lord 
 en of him in his 
 asides his heroic 
 e {xreat qualities 
 
 a difficult and 
 was not only 
 
 fearless in their 
 
 arious points at 
 and preventing 
 ovidence placed 
 lere of immense 
 a post which 
 
 itained — but he 
 
 »n whom I have 
 atr such discou- 
 lole people, the 
 fall, was really 
 rankness, bene- 
 bined with dig- 
 (' and beurinq; — 
 1 he held from 
 It seemed to 
 ere could be no 
 lie he lived, all 
 nory of General 
 e is as stronj; as 
 still pervade the 
 
 APPENDIX A. 
 
 SECTION I.— BRITISH AUTHORS. 
 
 No. I. Page. 13. 
 
 Licui.- General Lord Aijlmer, Govcrnor-dcncrnl of British 
 North America, to J. Saver i/ Brock, Enq. 
 
 SoREL, Lower Canada, August '2.3, 1834. 
 
 I received yenterday your letter of the lUth March 
 
 The sight of your handwriting reminded ni«! of old times, and 
 brought buck the recollection of scenes which almost appear 
 
 to have taken place in another state of existence I 
 
 made a tour in Upper Canada last summer, and visited with 
 a feeling of love and reverence the nioimnient at (^neenstown, 
 erected to the memory of one who was as brave as he was 
 ood, und a better man never l)reathod ; to have enjoyed his 
 riend:-hip and good opinion, is to me a source of p'ide and 
 satisfaction. Yours, my dear Savery, very sincerely, 
 
 Aylmer. 
 
 \_Exirnct of a note from Lord Aylmer to the Editor. — " Ldnhdv, 
 August 5, 1844.— I am very plad to Icaru by your letter that a work is 
 shortly to appear, intituled 'The Lite and Correspondence oi' Sir Isaac 
 Brock,* I'or sure ) am that tlu: mine of him that is made known to the 
 public, the more higlily will his valuable services be api rciiated."] 
 
 No. 2. I'age 224. 
 From Captain Rofjerts to the Adjutant-General. 
 
 Fort Michilimackinac, July 17, 1812. 
 
 On the 15th instant I received letters, by express, from 
 Major-General Brock, with orders to adopt the most prudent 
 measures either for oftence or defence, which circumstances 
 might point out ; and having received intelligence from the 
 best information, that large reinforcements were expected to 
 be thrown into this garrison, with the thorough conviction 
 that my situation at St. Joseph's was totally indefensible, I 
 determined to lose no time in making the meditated attack 
 on this fort. 
 
h 
 
 438 
 
 APPKNDIX A. SECTfON I. 
 
 i! 
 
 On the lOtli, at ten o'clock in the morning, I oniharked 
 my few men, witli nboiit one himUred and eiphty Canadians, 
 and two iron (J-pc binders. The bouts arrived without the 
 smallest accident at the port of rendezvous, at three o'clock 
 the foUowinfi; moniing : by the exertions of the Canadians, 
 one of the guns \.'as brouglit up a height commanding the 
 garrison, and ready to act about ten o'clock. A summons 
 was then sent in ; u copy of the capitulation which followed 
 I have the honor to enclose. At twelve o'clock, the American 
 colours were hauled down, and those of his majesty were 
 hoiisted. A committee has been appointed to examine into 
 the state of the public stores. 
 
 Enclosed also are the returns of the ordnance and military 
 stores found in the fort, and the strength of the garrison. 
 The greatest praise is due to every individual employed in the 
 expedition ; to my own officers I am indebted, in particular, 
 for their active assistance in carrying all my orders into eff'ect. 
 
 No. 3. Page 272. 
 
 General Brock. Detroit, IGth Aug. 1812. 
 
 I propose u cessation of hostilities for one hour, to open 
 a negociation for the surrender of Detroit. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 [Address.] William Hull, 
 
 Sandwich. Br. Gen. Com. 
 
 Sir, Detroit, 16th Aug. 1812. 
 
 The object of the flag, which passed the river, was to 
 propose a cessation of hostilities for one hour, for the purpose 
 of entering into a negociation for the surrender of Detroit. 
 
 am, &,c. 
 
 William Hull, 
 General Brock. Br.-Gen. Com. 
 
 Camp of Detroit, lOlh August, 1812. 
 
 Capitulation for the surrender of Fort Detroit entered into 
 between Major-General Brock, coni'v-unding his Britannic 
 majesty's forces on the one part, and Brigadier-General Hull, 
 commanding the north-western army of the United States, ou 
 the other part. 
 
 1st. Fort Detroit, with all the troops, regulars as well as 
 militia, will be immediately surrendered to the British forces 
 xmder the command of Meyor-General Brock, and will be 
 considered prisoners of war, with the exception of such of the 
 militia of the Michigan territory who have not joined the army. 
 
 2d. All public stores, arms, and all public documents, 
 including every thing else of a public nature, will be imme- 
 diately given up. 
 
r, I embarked 
 ity Canadians, 
 J without the 
 L three o'clock 
 he Canadians, 
 nmandin^ the 
 A summons 
 ivhich followed 
 , the American 
 majesty were 
 I examine into 
 
 fc and military 
 f the garrison, 
 mployed in the 
 , in particular, 
 ders into effect. 
 
 ,h Aug. 1812. 
 hour, to open 
 
 r.LIAM HULT,, 
 
 Br. Gen. Com. 
 
 h Aug. 1812. 
 
 river, waa to 
 for the purpose 
 der of Detroit. 
 
 LLIAM HlTLL, 
 
 Ilr.-Gen. Com. 
 
 August, 1812. 
 )it entered into 
 his Britannic 
 r-General Hull, 
 nited Slates, on 
 
 ulars as well as 
 e British forces 
 ;k, and will be 
 n of such of the 
 oined the army, 
 ilic documents, 
 will be imme- 
 
 8IR ISAAC DBOCK. 
 
 439 
 
 3d. Private persons and property of every deacription will 
 be respected. 
 
 4lh. His Excellency Bripiidler-General Hull having ox- 
 pressed a desire that a detachment from the State of Ohio, 
 on its way to join his arn:y, as well as one sent from Fort 
 Detroit, under the command of Colonel iM'Artliur, should be 
 included in the above capitulation — it is acconlingly agreed 
 to. It is however, to be understood, that such part of the 
 Ohio mitilia us have not joined the army will be permitted to 
 return to their homes, on condition that they will not serve 
 during the war; their arms, however, will be delivered up, if 
 belonging to the public. 
 
 5th. The garrison will march out at the hour of twelve 
 o'clock this day, and the British forces will take immediate 
 possession of the fort. 
 
 J. Macdoneli., Lt.-Col. Militia, 
 
 P. A. i). C. 
 J. B. Gleco, Major, A. D. C. 
 James Miller, Lt.-Col. 
 
 Sth i;. S. Inf. 
 E. Brush, Col. Cora. 
 Approved. Ist lleg. Michigan Militia. 
 
 W. Hull, Br. -General, 
 
 com. the N. W. Army. 
 Isaac Brock, 
 
 Major-General. 
 
 An Article supplemental to the Articles of CapHulation, 
 concluded at Detroit, the 16</t of August, 1812. 
 
 It is agreed that the officers a.nd soldiers of the Oh'O 
 militia and volunteers shall be permitted to proceed to their 
 respective homes, on this condition — that they are not tQ 
 serve during the present war, unless they are exchanged. 
 
 W. Hull, Br. -General, 
 
 Com. N. W. Army, U. S. 
 Isaac Brock, Miyor-General. 
 
 An, Article in addition to the Supplemental Article of the 
 Capitulation, concluded at Detroit, the With of August, 
 A. D. 1612. 
 
 It is further agreed that the officers and soldiers of the 
 Michigan militia and volunteers, under the command of 
 Major Witherell, shall be placed on the same principles as the 
 Ohio militia and volunteers are placed by the supplemental 
 article of the IGth instant. 
 
 W. Hull, Br.-General, 
 
 Com. N. W. Army, U. S. 
 Isaac Brock, Major-General. 
 
 ■ i 
 
440 
 
 APPKNllIX A. «»E(;TI0\ I. 
 
 I I 
 
 1 ;' 
 
 V 
 
 No 4. Viiiic aU4. 
 
 Kxtracts from " 77/« Litters nf Veritas;"* containimj a 
 niiccinct jS'urrtttivp of t/to Milttarn Adininistratiini nf Sir 
 ffrortjn PrcroKt duriiKj his cdiniiinnil in titc ('tiitnilnii, 
 talmri'hif it trill, bt^ uiiini/eat tliiit tin; merit of pniHcrvinij 
 tlimi from couqiu.nt hcloiifjH not to ftiiii. Hvo. Montreal, 
 July,"l8l.'.. 
 
 T/icn or before, wnn cniiiinutiirateil to him ( Major- 
 (Icmrnl JJrork) tlir; information of tlmt iliuidhi annistico 
 coHcludeil by Sir (u?orp' I'rttvost witli ticnfral l)»'urt»orn, 
 wliieli had so fatal an otU-ot npon nil tho future ( ix-raliona, 
 and wliit'h lied u]> tlic liands of tin; trallarit Urock from 
 executing' \\'\> intcndi.'d phin of s\voe|)in^' the Amer.can jio^ts 
 to Saokett's Harbour, incluHivp — an operation tl.'Ut most 
 ocrtaluly woubl have been then tflecti'd. 
 
 Tliis* urmisticc, ])roposod t>y Sir (Jeurf^o Prevost, merits 
 seriouii consideration, from its optTation beiuf^ so fjreatly in 
 favour of the enemy at that time, and so disadvnntai^eous to 
 U!». A period most proeious to us, if we had profited by it 
 witli viiiour, was thereby lost in inaction, and the enemy in 
 (•on>eqtu;ne<^ allowed to recover from tlie panic into which 
 lliey were thrrtwn by Hull's capture. 
 
 The transport of tiie American stores, ordnance, and 
 provisions, of each of wliidi they W(;re nuicli in want, not 
 beinp' prohibited by that armistiiie, was accord in j; I y protected 
 and facilitated l)y it on I^aki' Ontario and alon^ the Nia^taru 
 frontier beyond the eu'iny's most sanj^uine hopes, wliilst 
 Iheir tiien only disposulde and invii(lin(j; force, under General 
 Hull, on the Detroit frontie,-, was left at full liitcrty to [)rofit 
 by circumstances, the armistice as to him beinu at his option. 
 
 Most fortunately, however, Hull's laij^iness was settled 
 by capitulation before the armistice was known to General 
 llro('k or him ; but had it reached him in lime, he of course 
 would gladly have accepted i(, to gain delay for the arrival of 
 reinforcements ami a supply of jirovisions, from which would 
 
 * "Till" ' Letters of \Critas ' were <>riu:inally printed in a weekly iiapcr 
 pul)lis)ic(t at Montreal, in Lower I >iiiailti, and suhseqiu'ntly colU'c'fil int''> 
 tlu' little voIiiMu l)(.'fore us. Within n small coinpass these unpreti'ndiii)*' 
 letters eontain a greater body of usetiU iidorniation npon the canipaitfns 
 in the C'anadas than is any where else to be found. They are, we believe, 
 the prodnetion of a irentletnan in Montreal, of known respcetahility. 
 ThouiJ:li not a military man, he enjoyed the best opportunities for 
 acquaintance with tlie cirennistanecs of the war ; and as these letters, 
 which exeiteil grcB\ attention in the Canadas, appeared in sneeessivt- 
 papers while Montrial was filled with almost all the oflieers nf rank who 
 hail serveil in the country, il may reasonably be pri-sumed that his frrors, 
 had tie eomniitted any, would not have escaped withont censure. Yet no 
 reply was ever attempted to his statements, no doubt ever expressed in 
 the provinces, of the correctness of hiy assertions."— (^(rfz-^tv/^/ lit-riew, 
 lull/, ISJJ. 
 
SIR IHAAC II HOC K. 
 
 441 
 
 contiilnimj it 
 triit'iDn iif Sir 
 the ( 'iintul(i.<f, 
 
 of prtmrrviny 
 •o. Montreal, 
 
 him ( Mnjor- 
 idh/ aiinistico 
 ral Dt'iirborn, 
 re < |)(.Talioi)8, 
 
 I Urock Iroru 
 iiitT.ran ]K)-t3 
 jti tt:at most 
 
 rovost, merits 
 ; 8o greatly in 
 vnntn.;i.'mi9 to 
 pro tiled by it 
 tlio enemy in 
 ic into wliic'li 
 
 niniince, niul 
 in want, not 
 rifjly protected 
 i; the Niajiara 
 liope^, whilst 
 iiniler CJeneral 
 herty to [)rotit 
 at his option, 
 s was settled 
 vn to General 
 , he of course 
 r the arrival oi' 
 
 II which would 
 
 n a wee k!y payicr 
 itly collcc'i'd into 
 C'se unpretiiKtini? 
 )ii the carn|)»i(?ns 
 y are, we believe, 
 
 II re«iicetRbillty. 
 Dpportiiiiities for 
 
 as llii'he letters, 
 eil in sueee8siv»,- 
 oers of rnnk. who 
 .'(1 that his errors, 
 ccnsnre. Yet no 
 .'ver ex pressed in 
 'Jifirterli/ Hvieic, 
 
 have resulted tlie sahaiioii of hi^ army, the projiidinal 
 eonse(|nenci»a whereof t») um are iiie.ilenl:ibl(! ; fi.r, had a 
 knowIedKL" "fit reached thi« Indian lutlnms af thnf tinii', .>uri» 
 adisjjust ai,d dJHtrust would hu\eb('cn iJnTeby eveited axeoiild 
 never have been removed ; and the tirst etleel of whieh w«»nkl 
 have app«;ared in Ih.- iinincdjale dispermun ol the Indianx. 
 whose powerful and inili-ix-ritiiblc aid iit that early period of 
 the contest would have been totally lost lo us. 
 
 Madison'H re.jectiun of this annistiee was followed by that 
 chillitui defimsivf sijuton whieh (Jenend Hroek wan inHtructi'd 
 by SirTJeor^^e to follow, and wliicli jmlsied hitopemlions nufil 
 Ills country liad to mourn over his fatal loss at the battle uf 
 Queenstown, on the Kith id October, lui'J 
 
 Such, however, wa» the impulse he hud tjiven, and the 
 valour !ind zeal wherewitli the re^'ular troops, militia, and 
 Indians, had been inspi d, that the vuluahlc effects thereof 
 survived him ; ami i^avc a brilliant vi<-tory on that day to his 
 successor, (Jeneral .Sheatfe, a lover of armistices also, who, id 
 proof thereof, made one of hh own, which threw away most 
 of the advantaj<es of that victory ; for he netrleeled (aIthouf,'h 
 stronply urged thereto) to take I'ort Niagara, which could 
 Ijave been done on theai'lernoon of the day of the Qnc»;nhtowu 
 battle, uithout loss, as the ern'my had entirely, or almost 
 entirely, then evacuated il ; had lie di,ne this a)Ml at the 
 same time crossed over a part of his forci- to Lewisiown, as lie 
 was urged to do, and as Urock would Imve done had he 
 survived, tlie whole Niagara line would have been cleared of 
 the enemy, and all our after disasters in liiat quarter 
 prevented. 
 
 It has been urged in favor of Sir Cif.'orge's timid defensive 
 system, that it was pru))or in order to avoid irjitaling the 
 cnenjy, and thereby uniting them ; as also, that his fuic.; waa 
 inadequate to oftensiv-- warfare. No>v, no positions were 
 ever more untenable, tor to think of conciliating an enemy 
 by leaving to him the full benctlt of maturing in security all 
 his meaiis of annoyance against yi>u, and iit the same time 
 muzzling yourself, is a most extraordinary doctrine ; surely, 
 to do so must ensure success to thai enemy, as we know that 
 success will unite discordant parties and interests, whilst 
 defeats promote disunion, and would havt strengthened ihe 
 anti-war party in the States by furnishing to them unanswer- 
 able arguments wlieii depicting Ihe folly and i)iipoIicy of the 
 war, which had been so wantonly declared by the iVladi- 
 soniau party. 
 
 Were facts in support ot' this vievv' of the subject necessary, 
 they would be found in the oJVects upon the public mind in 
 that country, produced by the capture of Michilimackinac 
 and Detroit, with lluil'-s armv. Did these events irritate and 
 
44-2 
 
 APPENDIX A. HEfTION I. 
 
 unite llio ont'iny nprain^t h»? No, f hfv >• .'reaped iiriiution, it 
 U true, but ui^aiiiHt tlioir own icuvfratrv-i't. 
 
 (In hi» ti'iitJi «»r CDriciudinix letter, v •' i« i.\fi[itu?ntnd I1I9 
 preeC'liUK arf>uuient8, uml olHervcd :) TK/d t)»<jeueral Ilrork*!* 
 /.eril unit enerjry, loft as lie wan H'illiniit t»nltT». alnn;? witii 
 other eause/t indeitcndeiil of Sirin'oiyt-, the pre^'ervation of 
 I pper Canaihi, in tlif tlrNt iostnnee, ami «if Lower Canada us 
 a cun^cciucnce, arc mainly to be ascribed. 
 
 No. 
 
 Pntfe '.".lO. 
 
 Extract fmm Sir Gnorije Prfiutsf's (Jcnoral Order , Mnntroal, 
 Autjunt Ml, IHl'i, i;i niui'inni'iny thr refusal of the American 
 PreHiiU'uf til coithttie. thv tiritiisfice. 
 
 The invasion of the I'pper Provinee, undertaken so 
 tniMiedi:tt(>ly after tlnj declaration of war, shews in thtj 
 stronuest nuuiner how fully they had prepared themselves 
 for that event, and liow lii/lily they had fluttered themselves 
 witli lliidini; if an easy eon((nesl, from the suj)pr;'Jod weakness 
 of the force opposed to them, and the spirit of di^aflTeetion 
 which they had jtrevioinly endeavoured to excite amongst its 
 inlial)itniits. Foded as they have been in th -. attem|)t by 
 the brave and united etforts ol tlie regular forc( , utilitia, and 
 Indians of that province, uiiiler the command of their 
 dihtinnuished leader, their whole army with if» general 
 oaplured, and their only remainiii;:: fortress and post in the 
 adjointn<; fi'rritory wrested from Iheiri, it is not to be doubted 
 but that the American (rovernnient will keenly feel this 
 disa|i])ointm('nt of their hopes, and consequently endeavour 
 to avail theniHclves of the surrender of Detroit, to term it arj 
 invasion of their country, and to make it a ground for calling 
 upon the militia to march to the frontiers for the conquest of 
 the (^'anadas. A pretext so weak and unfounded, though it 
 may deceive some, will not t'liil t) be received in its proper 
 light by others; and it will l)e immediately perceived by 
 those who will give themselves the trouble to reflect on the 
 subject, that the pursuit of an invading army into their own 
 territory, is but a natural consequence of the first invasion ; 
 and the capture of the place, to which they may retire for 
 safety, a measure indispensably necessary for the security and 
 protection of the country originally attacked. 
 
 No n. Page 308. 
 
 " Early in the year 181C, the American government had 
 assembled a force near the Hetroit frontier, with the intention 
 of invading Canada ; and as soon as their projected declaration 
 of war was issued, '2,ol)(» men crossed the Detroit under 
 General Hull, and took possession of the Uritisiv village of 
 
?d tiritatJon, it 
 
 jHj itu'nfod liifl 
 iiMii'ral Ilrock'd 
 TM. iiloii;; with 
 [jrc^'LTViitioii of 
 iwer Canada a» 
 
 •ilir, Montreal, 
 f tliv American 
 
 undprtakpn bo 
 
 sIlC'WS III tllti 
 
 ri'd thcmst'Ives 
 
 Tcd UuTlMt'lVOS 
 
 l)<;>»i'il wpakn«>s3 
 
 of (lihaffi'ction 
 
 Mto ainoiiKHt its 
 
 li'i nttpiii|it l)y 
 
 >i , militia, and 
 
 iiand of tlieir 
 
 th its general 
 
 ind post in the 
 
 t to be douhied 
 
 eidy feel this 
 
 tly L'rxh'iivoiir 
 
 , to term it an 
 
 mild for calling' 
 
 the conqiiedt of 
 
 ded, though it 
 
 I in its proper 
 
 perceived by 
 
 reflect on the 
 
 into their own 
 
 lirst invasion ; 
 
 may retire for 
 
 le security and 
 
 -vornmpnt had 
 
 the intention 
 
 •te J declaration 
 
 Detroit under 
 
 •itish village of 
 
 SIH ISAAC unuCK. 
 
 44:3 
 
 Sandwioli. T'pon the ifurri^on of AudierHthiirtrh, Ijowever, 
 under Lieutenant-Colonel M. (tcor^e, who ^imt hiiiiveli up in 
 total inaction, the. AnuTintn uentTal n)adi> no attempt. Ah 
 Hoon aH fieneral Urork learnt tie- futnincf id Hull into Canada, 
 he sent up (!olonel I'rocter I'rnm llic Nuiiiara Imntier to 
 aSHume tlie eouutiuuil at AnihcrKtliurgh, and that t»tiicer'4 
 operations were no prompt and judicious, iliat Hull hastily 
 reorosited the strait, and cneunipeil under the waIN of fort 
 Detroit, airain»t which Colonel Procter, luhancinu; to Sand- 
 wich, threw up hattrriu-* on the Hritish sule. Here, (icinTal 
 Jirock nrrivinuf with a reinlorcenienl, the enemy, already 
 reduced to extr<.initifs before hi-* appearance,* capitnlat«!d 
 on the MIth of Auj^ust, to th"- nuinbcr of -JiriiM) men, witli lUl 
 pieces of cannon. Tlief)rtof Detroit, its ordnance, storeg, 
 and a tliiu ve8.«el in the harbour, fell into the bauds of the 
 victors. ♦ ♦ ♦ • • 
 
 " Hull eertainl> eviiu-ed trieat incapacity after his jjassa^je 
 o( the Detroit, in not iniini-ilialeiy iiuir( bini^ upon Amberstl- 
 burt^h with hiswiude lore? . fur he would, in all probability, 
 have carried the plac< had he made the attempt before 
 Colonel I'roettT-, arrival, by liuy;erin<^, however, at Saiulwich 
 until tbttt o:li«'er look the comuiaiid, lut ott' his eommunica- 
 tion.s, and <di;>(d (he lndian», on his rear, he could not 
 subsequently etleii a retreat."- -QMa?7(,//i/ A'tcicM-, ./«///, I8"J"2. 
 
 In (lie " Prrfutw to the Sicnnd IJtlition nf Travels in Cannda 
 and the I'nih'd Stutis, in IMIO oinl 1HI7, In/ Lti'utcnant 
 FranciH Hull, Wth Li'jlit JJnnjnon.s, U. P.," the authur 
 oft.vc/tt',v, in iillusiiin tn ^Iiijitr-denvrul Proctor: 
 
 Soon after the publication of these tnivels, the author 
 received an anonymou-. coimnunieation, cbiiruint? Iiim with 
 misrepresenting' the conduct of the otiicer who succeetleil Sir 
 Isaac I^rock in the command <d our forces in I pper ( anadu. 
 The passages oomjdained of are : the exjiressiou, {\). •-i*27,) that 
 Tecuniseh, after that uenerul's death, •Mound no kindred 
 spirit with whom to act;"' — the passages of Tecumseh'.s 
 speech, quoted in the note. — and the expression be is said 
 to liave subsequently used, "•Tell the dog," tvc.t 
 
 * This is incorrect — Hull was not rodiu-ed to p.ictrt'niity , he w^s on his 
 own territory, in the iieiKhhoiiiiioHl ui a t<)rt^t>^s witli an ample supply 
 (if prDVi^ii'iis, stuns, \-c.. anil his troups had sultrrcd un essential check 
 or privation And if the .Aniorlcan ufiii'iul wic n'dm.H'd to siiili »',\trnn)ty, 
 wh> did Colonel Proctor aihise Maj( r-Gcucrai Brock not to cro.ss the 
 strait to attai k him > - V. B. T 
 
 t This pasba;.;c i.s contained in a foot note in l^icutenant Hall's Travels, 
 and is as follows : "On onotlier occasion, when by w;iy of pacilviiiK his 
 remonstrance's with a mctaplmr, in the Indian manner, our cmninander 
 professed liis ieftd:i..-s to lay his bones by his side, 'Tell the do^,' said 
 the .ingiy warrior, • he has too much regard fur hia carcase to lay his 
 bones any where' " 
 
 ! i 
 
1 i 
 
 444 
 
 AI'i»ENDIX A, jiKdION 1. 
 
 »i 
 
 
 li 
 
 ii 
 
 J t 
 
 
 The only insinuation intended to be oonvoyed by llie terms 
 " no kindred spirit," was, that tlie general wlio succeeded Sir 
 Isaac Brock was inferior to liim in talents, and was so consi- 
 dered by Tecumseli. Tins is a mere matter of opinion ; but 
 such as the author conceives every man is free to deliver, with 
 respect to the conduct of an individual employed in a public 
 ca])acity ; nor, huwevc he njay be unfortunate euoufrh to 
 ditifer in it from hi:^ correspondent, does lie believe it would, 
 by any means, be considered a singular opinion by llie oHicers 
 who, at that lime, served in Upper Canada. 
 
 Mis correspondent u>. lies that Tecumseh ei^er used the 
 expressions, "Tell (he doc:," &<!• ; upon which the author 
 cannot forbear observing, tliat, as ho has stated uo particular 
 ocasion oi\ which Ihey were used, it seems scarcely possible 
 his correspoiulenl, unless he was never from Tecumseh's side, 
 can have tlic meaiis of proving fhey were never uttered at all. 
 The author conceives his autliority on this point to be such, 
 as fully to warrant liim in lielieving his stafement to be 
 correct ; at the same time, he would be understood as drawing 
 no conclusion from it to the disparagement of (he oflicer in 
 (piestion : he quoted it merely to shew the nature of the 
 Indian chieftain's feelings, and the light in which he regarded 
 measuri's, on the propriety of which the author wishes to be 
 considered as stirring no controversy. 
 
 No. 7. Page MS. 
 
 "To Colonel IJrock, of the 40lh, who commanded at the 
 fort, I am particularly indebted for his kindness to me during 
 the fortnight I remained at Niagara. Among many pleasant 
 tiays which I pasj^ed with him and his brother officers, that 
 of our visit to the Tuscorora Indians \.as not the least 
 interesting. They received us in all thei*" ancient costume ; 
 the young men exhibited for our amusement in the race, the 
 bat game, k.c., wiiile the old and the women sat in groups 
 under the surrounding- trees, and the picture altogether was 
 as beautiful as it was new to me." — Xote in Moore's EpiMcs, 
 Odes, .yc. 
 
 " At Quoenstov.n the battle was fought in which General 
 Brock fell, and the inhabitants point out a thorn bush at the 
 bottom of the heights, where it !:> said he received his mortal 
 wound. His career was a short but a brilliant one, and had 
 the direction of the affairs of the Upper Province, after Jjis 
 death, been characterized by an ecpial degree of courage, 
 prudence, and humanity, a very ditferen sciries of subsequent 
 events would have claimed the attention of the historian." — 
 Duncan's Travcds in the United States and Canada, in 1818 
 and lt<10. 
 
SIR ISAAC lilii «.K. 
 
 44 o 
 
 the terms 
 cceile<l Sir 
 i so CODSi- 
 nion ; luit 
 ?liver, with 
 in a public 
 enough to 
 (' it would, 
 tho urticors 
 
 r used the 
 the author 
 I jifirticular 
 ely possible 
 mseh's side, 
 tered at all. 
 to be such, 
 ment to be 
 1 as drawin;? 
 lie oflicer in 
 tture of Ihe 
 he regarded 
 wishes to be 
 
 inded at the 
 > nie during 
 ny pleasant 
 ffi'cers, that 
 
 ut the least 
 
 nt costume ; 
 
 he race, the 
 t in groups 
 ogether was 
 
 res l^jAstks, 
 
 ich General 
 
 bush at the 
 
 <\ his mortal 
 
 Irse, and had 
 
 ce, after Jiis 
 
 of courage. 
 
 f subsequent 
 
 listorian." — 
 
 uda, in lbl8 
 
 *' Close to the spot when we hnulefl in Canada, there 
 stands a monument to tiie galhnil deiieral Unak, wlm was 
 killed during the battle of (^ueenstown. m ihe act of repelliug 
 an invasion of the frontier by the Americans, during llie late 
 
 war 'J'he view frini the top of the monument extended 
 
 far over lake Ontario, and sljowed us the windinirs of the 
 Niagara, through the low and woody country wiiich lian;;s 
 like a rich green fringe alouL- the southern skirts ul titat great 
 sheet of water." — Captain lius'd HuiVs TruvelH in yortli 
 America^ in IH'27 and 18-JH. 
 
 Travelling in the state of Tsew York, the authi.r obiprves : 
 "The hite Sir Isaac Urock was, by some ai'cident, me.'tioned. 
 The canal agetit spoke of him in terms ol grei»t resj)ect. a^ tiie 
 best commander the IJritish liad ».'\(Tsent to Canada — etjually 
 regretted on both sides of the St. Lawrence 
 
 " From Niagara Falls we proceeded by the stage first to 
 Queenstown, (seven miles,) near which a numumenl has been 
 erected to the memory of Sir I.-aac Brock, from the top of 
 which, about I'iO feet high, there is a noble view of Lake 
 Ontario and the adjoining country, and thence to the villager 
 of Newark, (seven miles,* formerly called I'ort <i«orge, on the 
 Niagara river." — Stuurt''s Three Years in America. 
 
 " ImmedJafJy above Queenstown stands lirock's monu- 
 ment, on the heights where the battle was fought in which 
 that liero was killc(L His body was removed to it from Fort 
 George, in 1H'J4. The view from this Hne column is probably 
 the most beautiful in Upper Canada." — M^tiregor's Jiritish 
 America, vol. ii. 
 
 '' Seven miles south of ^^Jrt George, and at the foot of the 
 romantic heights of the same name, wliich have become 
 famous in Canadian history as the ?eene of a battle wherein 
 Creneral Brock fell, is the village of Queenstown, i)leasantly 
 situated on the Niagara, and opposite to the American 
 village of J^ewistown. The monument, built to the memory 
 of the gallant general aud Ids compaiuons, on the hdticst part 
 of tliese heights, forms a ])rominent object to the numerous 
 xmyoyctirn who are constantly arriving at this portage, in 
 elegantly fitted up steam boats, from Vork and Kingston, 
 to view the neighbouring falls of the Niagara. Tlie village 
 contains a churcli. eourt house, large government stores, and 
 u po|)alation of bctweci' 4(H) and .>00 inhabitants." — 'the 
 CanadaSf by Andreir Picken. 
 
 " Leaving a garrison in Detroit sufficiently strong to keep 
 tlie inhabitants in awe. General IJrock lost no time in 
 quitting the conquered ])ost and hastening to Niagara — a 
 
440 
 
 APPENDIX A. SECTION I. 
 
 f 1 
 
 command he had only relinquished tor the piirposn of 
 uridortaking an ncliievement whicli the giiUantry and deter- 
 mination of his character could alone have crowned with 
 
 such unquuliDed success 
 
 "The month of October was marked by an event of the 
 most melancholy nature — the death of Cienerul Hrock, who 
 fell a victim to 1 lit.- intrepidity and daring of his character. . . . 
 The loss of their leader, however, cast a gloom over every 
 English brow, and an advantage thus iiurcija«eil was deemed 
 at too higii a price. (Jeneral Brock was beloved by the 
 soldiery, particularly the 4!)th, of which he iiad long been 
 lieutenant-colonel, and the indignation of th<'ir grief for his 
 loss cost the Americans many a life on that day, tbat had 
 otherwise been spiired. At Amherst burg, the account of his 
 deatii WHS received with heartfelt concern, and not a man 
 was there of those he had lately led lo victory who failed 
 to pay that tribute to his meujory, which the gallantry 
 and magnanimity of this glorious chief were so every way 
 calculated to awaken in the breast of of the soldier." — *A 
 Candida (^uitipuit/ii,' fnj a IJritisfi Officer, in the iVcio Monthly 
 Maijazine for December, l&2(i, and J'i'hruary, 1827. 
 
 ■•t 
 
 " Immediately opposite the town of Prescott, on the sliore 
 of the L'nited States, is the town of Ogdensbiirg ; and twelve 
 miles higlier up, on the (Janadiau ^hore, stands* the delightful 
 village of Urockvilh!, so called in honour of tlie late lamented 
 Sir Isaac lirock. This enchanting little spot unites in its 
 situation every beauty of nature. In front of it flows the 
 river St. Lawrence, interspersed with numerous islands, 
 variously formed and thickly wooded ; behind it is an 
 asseinblnge of small hilN rising one abi>ve another in ' gay 
 theatric pride;' and on eacii side are a nuudjcrof well cleared 
 farms, in au adviinced state of cultivation. Every thing 
 combines to render it pre-eminently beautitul. The dwellings 
 are built of wood, and tastefully painted ; and the court house, 
 in an elevated sitimtion at the back of the village, seems, 
 from its superior size, to l)e the guardiiin of the villagi-rs — an 
 idea of my fancy, which 1 did not seek to confirm by entering 
 within its doors. IJrockville contains 4.")0 souls. It has a 
 parsonage house, but no church has hitlierto been erected." — 
 Five Years in Canada, by J2. A. Talbot. 
 
 ** We remained an hour or two at IJrockville, the village of 
 palaces; and few villages have I seen more attractive than 
 this one. It is situated on a shelving bank, with r. southern 
 asjject, and groves of trees round it. The houses and churches 
 are built of grey stones, and, being covered with tin, have a 
 light and pleasant apix'arancc." Alcxanderif TransatUmtic 
 Skt'tchcs. Loudon, IH'M. 
 
SIH ISAAC imOCK. 
 
 447 
 
 »nrposfi of 
 and iletcr- 
 wued witli 
 
 ,'ent of the 
 Jrock, wlio 
 ractor. . . • 
 
 over every 
 ivtis (leeuH'd 
 ved I)) the 
 1 U)iig hccu 
 grief for his 
 y, iliut hud 
 louut of his 
 
 not a man 
 r who failed 
 le gallantry 
 ) every way 
 jldicr."— ' ^l 
 feio Monthly 
 '21. 
 
 on the shore 
 ; and twelve 
 he delightful 
 ate iuni''nted 
 luniles iu its 
 It fl»>ws the 
 us islands, 
 d it is au 
 hor in ' gay 
 well cleared 
 Every thing 
 ic dwellings 
 toiirt house, 
 llage, seems, 
 diag<'rs— an 
 by "entering 
 It has a 
 creeled." — 
 
 the village of 
 traetive than 
 Lh r. southern 
 and churches 
 li tin, have a 
 'TransatU'.Htic 
 
 [NoTK — Hrot-kville contained in I84fi about 2,ooo inhabitnnt.s. There ia 
 also a townstiip nuincd Unjck, anil another large dii-ilrict of the same name 
 iu Canada.] 
 
 No. 8. Page 'Ml. 
 
 At a General Council of Omdolfnce, held at the Council 
 House, Fort Geortje, (\lh Xovanber, 1KI2. 
 
 Present — The Six Nations, Iliirons, Potawatitimics,anil 
 
 Cliijipawahs. 
 William (Mau-<, Deputy Superintendent- 
 
 • iericral. 
 Captain Norton. 
 (7apiain J. U. Itosseanx, and several others 
 
 of t!ie Indian Department. 
 Kaseiieayont Cayonga t.liief, Speaker. 
 
 Br'tthersy — The Americans have long threatened to strike 
 us, and in the beginniii-^ of the niuniner thej' declared war 
 against us, and lately they reconimeiu ed hostility hy invading 
 tlie ccnntry at Queenstown. In this conte!*t, which, witli the 
 help of (I<jd, terminated in our favor, your much lamented 
 eommntider atul friend, (Jeneral Urock, his aide-de-camp, 
 Colonel .M'Donoll, and several warriors, have fallen. 
 
 Brothcrss — ^^'e therefore now, seeing you darkened with 
 grief, your eyes dim with tears, and your throats stopped with 
 the force of your aflliction, witli these iitnngs of wampum 
 we wipe away your tears, that you may view clearly ih« 
 surrounding ohjeets. We clear the par-sai;e in your throats 
 that you may have free utterance for your tlionL,hts, and we 
 wipe clean from blood the place of your abode, that you may 
 sit there iii comfort, without having renewed i!n> remembrauco 
 of your loss by the remaining stains of blooil. 
 
 Dclivorcil right strings of white wanipuin.* 
 
 Brothers.. — That the remain-* of our late beloveil friend and 
 comniamler, (ieiieral Urock, shall receive no injury, we cover 
 it with this belt of wauipunj, which we do from the grateful 
 sensations which his kindn<»!is towards us continually inspired, 
 as also in eonformi.'y witi/ .'.c customs of our ancestors ; and 
 we now expres"J, vvith ♦he '.ina'-Mnuu^ voice of the chiefs aiul 
 warriors ot our i'espeetiv« bivnds, the greal respect in which 
 
 * Wanijuini is the current .noney amtir.tc tholiulinm^. It is of twt^ sorts, 
 white and puriile ; tli>' vluto is worked out "t the insides of the great 
 Congucs into the f<ir. ; a bead, ai:<l ueiforaScd so as to he strung on 
 leatfier , the iuir)>lt' is worked i-iit of tlu? insiile mI the nirscle shell. Tlipy 
 ate wove as broad as one's hand, am! about twofe.'f long , these they call 
 belts, and give and reeeive them at trieir tn-aties, a.s the seals of friemlship. 
 For less motives, a single <trinfc i^ given , every bead is of a known 
 value ; and a belt of ait .<> number is made to eijiial one of a greii'er, i>y so 
 many as are wanted b ii^ fastened to the l)clt by a string. ■-/?ttt7i««(i"'.s 
 XvrtU Amerii''tn liuiians. 
 
448 
 
 APPENDIX A. SECTION I. 
 
 i I 
 
 
 I 
 
 ,f>- .. 
 
 we hold his memory, and the sorrow and deep regret with 
 whieh his loss has tilled our breasts, althoiifrli he hastalicn iiid 
 departure for a better abode, where his many virtues will be 
 rewarded by the great Dispenser of good, who has led ua on 
 the road to victory. 
 
 A large wliite belt. 
 
 BruthcrSf — We now address the successor of our departed 
 friend, to express the confldence we feel that his heart is 
 warmed with similar sentiments of affection and regard 
 towards us. We also assure hiin of our readiness to 8U])port 
 him to the last, and therefore take the liberty lu speak, strong 
 to all his people to co-operate willi vigour, and, trusting in 
 the powerful arm of God, not to doubt of victory. 
 
 Although our numbers are small, yet, counting Him on our 
 side, who ever decides on the day of battle, we look for 
 victory m henever we shall come in contact with our enemy. 
 
 Five strings of white wampum. 
 
 (Signed) W. CLAUS, D. S. G. 
 
 No. 9. Page3r>l. 
 Uxirucf from a Description of St. Paul's Cathedral, 
 
 In the western ambulatory of the south transept is a tabular 
 \/ monument to the memory of Sir Isaac llrock, by the same 
 artist (VNestmacott). 
 
 A military monument, on which are placed tlie ft*\ord 
 and helmet of the deceased; a votive record, suppopcd to 
 have been raised by his com[)anions to their honored com- 
 mander. 
 
 His corpse reclines in the arms of a British soldier, whilst 
 an Indian pays the tributeof regret his bravery nnd humanity 
 elicited. 
 
 EHKiTI'.I* AT Till', ri ni,lf F.XI'KNSE 
 
 TO I'HK Mr.MOKV OK 
 
 MAJOn-liKNtUAL 
 
 SIK ISAAC niUHK, 
 
 WHO GU)UI01ISI,V KKI.I, 
 
 ON THE i;titi OF Ot.TOBKH, 
 
 M.U»< :(;.xii. 
 
 IN IIESISTIN(. A.N" AIT\(K 
 
 0\ 
 
 gi EENSTOWN, 
 
 IN I'l'PKH CANADA 
 
^ret with 
 
 I taken l>is 
 
 les will be 
 
 led U9 on 
 
 r departed 
 it) heart in 
 ud re'p'urd 
 to 8ui)port 
 leak strong 
 trusting in 
 
 [lim on our 
 e look lor 
 our enemy. 
 
 SIR ISAAC BBOCK. 
 
 44t) 
 
 Vo.\0. PageSol. 
 
 ''ThU chief of the branch of the once grout tribe of tlie 
 Ilurons visited Engiatid sotno time ago. I afterwards <nw 
 him in Quebec, and had a good deal of conversation with 
 him. When asked what had struck liini most of all that he 
 had seen in England, he replied, without hesitation, that it 
 wa9 the monument erected in St. I'aul's to the memory of 
 (Jeneral Brock. It seemed to iiuve iniiiressed him with a 
 high idea of the considerate beneficence of his great father, 
 the king of Englaiul, that he not only had remembered tlie 
 exploits and death uf his white child, who liad fallen beyond 
 the l)ig salt lake, but thiit he had even deigned to record, on 
 the marl'Ie sepulchre, the sorrows of the poor Indian weepintr 
 over his chief untimely slain." — Hon. F. F. JJe Jiuos' Travels 
 in North America^ in 16'Hj. 
 
 , D. S. G. 
 
 \hedraL 
 
 [ is a tabular 
 jy ilic same 
 
 the Rivord 
 5up])o<?od 10 
 nored eom- 
 
 dier, whilst 
 id humanity 
 
 No. 1 1 . Page Oo-i. 
 
 To His Royal Highness the Prince Regent of the 
 I'nited K.iugdom of Great Britain and Ireland. 
 
 The humble address of the Commons of Upper Canada, 
 in Parliament assembled, 
 
 May it please your Royal Highness, 
 
 We, his Majesty's most rluliful and loyal subjects tlie 
 Commons of 1/pper Canada, in I'roviicial Parliament assem- 
 bled, beg leave to otler to your Royal Highness the homage 
 of our unfeigned attachment to his .lajestys sacred person 
 and government, and of our filial reverence for the great and 
 maijnnnimous nation of which we have the honor to form u 
 part. 
 
 While we pray your Royal Highness to accept of our most 
 cordial eongviitulations on tin; splendid achievemenis of his 
 Majesty's forces, and of those of his allies in various parts f 
 the globe, and in particular on the e\traordijuuv successes 
 which, nnder Divine Providence, have attended Ins Majesty's 
 arms in this portion of his dominions; we should do injustice 
 to the mejnory of our late truly illustrious president, Ma^jor- 
 (ieneral Brock, under whose auspices the latter were during 
 his lifetime principally achieved, did vve omit to accompany 
 them with feelings of the i\io8t poiirnant sorrow for his fall. 
 
 He had endeared himsell to us by his able, virtuous, and 
 disinterested administration of the civil government, and by 
 tlie zeal, military talent, and lira\ery, which cliaractei'ized 
 and marked his conduct in the field. 
 
 To his energy, his promptitude, and Ids decision, do we feel 
 ourselves in a great degree indebted, for liuving at this 
 
450 
 
 APPENDIX A. — SECTION I. 
 
 /. i 
 
 I 
 
 V 
 
 moment the happiness of enjoying the privilefjes of his 
 Majesty's subjects. His disinterested and manly conduct 
 aroused the spirit of the country, and called it forth for self- 
 bounce against a most insidious toe. 
 
 In appreciating, as we do, his talents and eminent services, 
 most deeply do we lament our inability to bestow on them 
 any other reward than our praiste. Without revenue for even 
 the ordinary purposes of the irovernment, we have no funds 
 from whence to r<!wurd merit, howevcrexalted and deserving. 
 
 We derive, however, much pleasiTt from beholding that 
 the services of our ever-to-be-lumented president and general 
 have been uppreciutcd by your Royal Highness i and while 
 we feelingly regret that he did not survive to enjoy the high 
 honors conferred upon him by your Royal Highness in his 
 Majesty's name, we, with all humility, would heg to suggest 
 that a grant to liis family of a portion of his Majesty's most 
 valuai)le waste lands in this province would be most grati- 
 fying to us. It would, we doubt not, be acceptable to hem, 
 and it would be the means of perpetuating the connection 
 that had taken place between us, as well as the name of 
 Brock, in a country in defence of which the general so nobly 
 fell ! ! ! and which liis exertions had so eminently contributed 
 to save. 
 
 That your Royal Highness may long be preserved to fill the 
 exalted station to which you hnve been called for the 
 advancement o1 the happiness, iionor, and glory of the British 
 nation, is the fervent prayer ofhisMiijesty's faithful subjects, 
 the Commons of Upper Canada. 
 
 Passeu the Commons House of Assembly, the Sixth Day 
 of March, Oue Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirteen. 
 
 ? > 
 
 No. 12. Page 3rj2. 
 
 An Act tn provide for the. erection of a Monument to the. 
 vwmnrij of the late President ^ Major- General Sir Isaac 
 Jirock, 
 
 [Sixth Parliament, 55th Geo. III.] 
 
 [Passed 14th March, 1815.] 
 
 r. r 
 
 Most Gracious Sovereign, 
 
 Whereas at the declaration of war by the United States of 
 America against Great Britain, the government of this pro- 
 vir?^'^ wa? administered with great uprightness and ability by 
 the ■ te ; i^jor-General Sir Isaac Brock ; And whereas by the 
 wis'.iom of his counci's, the energy of his character, and ti»o 
 vi^' >! with which h^ carried all his plans into effect, the 
 inhaijitants of this province, at a time when the country was 
 almost destitute of regular troop", were inspired with the 
 
leges of his 
 inly conduct 
 ortli for self- 
 
 rient services, 
 tow on them 
 enue for even 
 ave no funds 
 nd deserving, 
 jholding that 
 It and general 
 js; and while 
 njoy the high 
 ghness in his 
 aeft to suggest 
 lajesty'a most 
 e most grati- 
 tp.ble to hem, 
 tie connection 
 the name of 
 neral so nobly 
 ly contributed 
 
 rved to fill the 
 
 palled for the 
 
 of the British 
 
 thful subjects, 
 
 Lhe Sixth Day 
 andTliirteen. 
 
 lument to the 
 eral Sir Isaac 
 
 \ March, 1815.] 
 
 lited States of 
 nt of this pro- 
 and ability by 
 kvhereas by the 
 racter, and tiio 
 11 to effect, the 
 e country was 
 )ired with the 
 
 SIR ISAAC DROCK. 
 
 451 
 
 fullest confidence in him and in tlieniselves, and were thereby 
 induced modt cordiall.* to unite with and follow him in every 
 operation which he undertook for their defence; An»l whereas 
 after liaving achieved the most brilliant success, and performed 
 the most splendid actions, tliat truly illustrious commander 
 contending at the head of a small body of regular triM»ps and 
 militia, against a very superior fonjo of the enen>y, devoted 
 liis most valuable life ; And wliereua the inhabitants of this 
 province, reverencing his character, fiel it a tribute due to 
 his memory to express the same by a pjt'lic and lasting 
 testimonial, kc. 
 
 [Preainblc. j^'iooo granted for the constructing a monument to the 
 memory of Major-Gcueral sir Isaac Brock.] 
 
 An Act to ijrant n further unm of moHc;/ for the completion of 
 the Monument to the mcmonj of the late Major- Gf neral 
 Sir Isaac Brock. 
 
 [Passcfl 30th January, 1826. 
 
 IVIost Gracious Sovereign, 
 
 Whereas it has been represented by the surviving com- 
 missioner appointed undi^r an act of the parliauient of this 
 province, passed in the lifty-fifth year of his late mujesiy's 
 reign, intituled, "An act to provide for the erection of a 
 monument to the memory of the late President, Major- 
 General Sir Isaac Brock," that a further sum of money is 
 required to complete the said monument upon h scale which 
 appears to the commissioner worthy of the object : And 
 whereas the legislature of this province are happy in testifying 
 on this occasion to your majesty tlie continued veneration 
 with which they regard the memory of the late Sir Isaac 
 Brock : May it please your majesty that it may be enacted, 6:c. 
 
 [j6600 jjran^ed to complete the monument to the memory of the late 
 Major- General Sir Isaac liiocic.] 
 
 No. 13. Page 352. 
 
 Anniversary of the Battle of Quecn/ttotcn, and the reinter- 
 ment of the late much-lamented Mojur-Gcneral Sir Isaac 
 Brock. 
 
 There is something so grand and imposine in the spectacle 
 of a nation's homage to depa-ted worth, which calls for the 
 exercise of so many interesting feelings, and which awakens 
 so many sublime contemplations, that we naturally seek to 
 perpetuate the memory of an event so pregnant with instruc- 
 tion, and so honorable to our species. It is a subject that in 
 other and in older countries Im-^ frequently exercised the 
 pens, and has called forth all the descriptive powers of the 
 
 .'■s^mMts 
 
402 
 
 AIM'KNDIX A. HEfTION I. 
 
 ablest, writers.* But \u'.rc it is new; and lor tlie first time 
 since we lie«'unie n sepuruto province, liave we seen ii >:re(it 
 puhlio funeral procest^ion of all ranks of p.o|>le, to the anionut 
 of 8(!veral tltonsaiids, bearing tlu! remains of two Ininented 
 lieroes to their la»t dwelling on earth, in the vaults ofu grand 
 national monument, overtopping the loftiest heights of the 
 most inagnitieent !i»H'ti<jn of one of the most magnificent 
 oounlries in the world. 
 
 "The I'Mb of October, being the atmiverwary of the battle 
 of (^ueenstown, and of the death of Brock, was Judiciously 
 chosen astht mo'iit proper day for the removal of the remains 
 of the genera!, together with those of his gallant aide-de- 
 camp, Lieutenant-( olonel M'Donell, to the vaults prepared 
 for their recf]>tion on (^ueenstown htjightst 
 
 "The weutlier was reiuar.'iably fine, and before ten o'clock 
 a very large concourse of ]ieo])le, from ail ]»ar(s of the country, 
 had assembled on the plains of Niagara, in front of Fort 
 George, in a bastion of which the bodies had been deposited 
 for twelve years. t 
 
 "One Iiearse, covered with black cl')th, and drawn by four 
 black horses, each with a leader, cont 'tied both the bodies. 
 Soon after ten, a lane was formed by tin >t and 4th regiments 
 of Lincoln militia, with their right on the gate of Fort TJeorge, 
 and their left extending along the road towards Queenstown, 
 the ranks being about forty paces distant Irom each other; 
 within this line was formed a guard of honor of the 70th 
 regiment, in parade order, having its left on the fort. As 
 the liearse movetl slowly from the fi>rt, to the sound of 
 solemn music, :i detachment of royal artillery began to fire 
 the salute of nineteen guns, and the guard of honor presented 
 arms. 
 
 " On moving forward-* in ordinary time, the giMrd of honor 
 J>roke into a column of eight divisions, with the right in front, 
 and the procession took the following order : 
 
 • It is impossible here to fortfot Imwcver different were the circum- 
 stances and cliaraeter cf tli*- tw<) warriors'^ that line passasre ^y rlie 
 spieiiilid tiistorian of Rome, wlierein iu' inunortnli/cs tiie ileath ami 
 funeral of liu- ferocious Attlla, in liint;uai;f at onee musical and sublime, 
 and wliicli is jinihahly witliotit an eciiial in the wi: ile raiifce ot Kntflisli 
 literature ; " His body was solemnly cxp' -od in the midst of tin plain, 
 ur ier a silk'-n pavilliori : and the '.'iioson squadrons of the Huns, wiieeiing 
 round in measured evolutions, chaUHtcd a funeral ponjf to the memory of 
 a hero, glorious in tiis life, invineibleUn Itisdeatlt, the father of )u^ people, 
 the scourge of hif cnemich, and the terror of the world,"' 
 
 * The laoniimeiit itself is not ye* finished , we shall therefore defer our 
 description of the edirtee until it is completed, 
 
 t It is remarkable that, on inspectini; the remains, the body of Colonel 
 M'Donell wa>) found to be alni<)st entirely cl(^eolnpo^ied,— whii»>t that of 
 the ffeneral %vas still firm and riearly entire -, some of the tlesh aud 
 liucaiucnts of his marliai couutenaucc being yet visible. 
 
e first time 
 seen a ^irellt 
 th(! amount 
 ro Inmeiitt'il 
 aofii graml 
 i(ihtrt oi t'lP 
 liiftgniticcut 
 
 )f the battle 
 jin\uMously 
 the remains 
 ant aidf-ile- 
 Its prepared 
 
 i ten o'clock 
 thu country, 
 font of Fort 
 en ilepositcd 
 
 rawn by four 
 
 li the bodies. 
 
 ith rejriments 
 
 F(.rt < ieorge, 
 
 tiueenslown, 
 
 each other ; 
 
 jot the 70th 
 
 he fort. As 
 
 ii\ sound of 
 
 ("grin to fire 
 
 lor presented 
 
 lard of honor 
 ght in front, 
 
 TP the cii->nim- 
 
 pHssase '.y flio 
 
 the >!i'atU and 
 
 ■III ami -lublitni', 
 
 i-f of Knu;Usli 
 
 l>,t ,,f thf plain, 
 
 lulls, wtieelingr 
 
 till' mfmory of 
 
 CI of 111- puople, 
 
 r( lore defer our 
 
 ody of C oloni'l 
 
 -whilst that of 
 
 tUc tlesh au(t 
 
 :<IU ISAAC lUJOCK. 4«>3 
 
 A Stuff Officer. 
 
 Subdivisicii of (irtiiKiluTs. 
 
 IliHid nf Music. 
 
 Rigtit Wiiijr of Hic 7«itli Kcpinent 
 
 rilK UODY. 
 
 Aidc-dc-Camp to the Intc Major-licnoral Sir l^AAr Uruck. 
 
 rtiicf M. iirncrs 
 
 Relatives of llu' late I olnncl M'OovKLl.. 
 
 (-'oniinissioiK T-i lur the Momiineiit. 
 
 Heads of PuMic Dei.artiiuiits oi Uic t.'i\ il Govcruiaent. 
 
 Jnil^t . 
 
 Members of the K.MJUtive Council. 
 
 His Excellency and Suite. 
 
 Left Winjr of the r''th Ktpinient. 
 
 Indian Chiefs of tlie Five Nations. 
 
 Ofllccra of Militia not on duty-junior raiikH -First forward, 
 
 I'ou. deep. 
 
 AMaf:istrate8 and Civilians, 
 
 With a Ions' Cavalcade of Horsemen, and Carriages of every 
 
 dcsrtijitioii. 
 
 "As the profession passed ahjn<^ the lane of militia, the 
 latter wheeled inwards by subdivisions in sucee.-s.sion, as soon 
 as its own fronl was clear, and followed tlie proot-sision. At 
 a certain distance from Fort tieorw the quick niarcli v<as 
 taken np, and artns were sloi)ed ; the members of the proces- 
 sion then took their curriai^es, presirving as nearly /-s possible 
 the order .'djovemetitioneil, and the wliole proceeded on the 
 road to Queeuiitown. The "id and 'M\ repimcnts (d Li icoln 
 jiiilitia, in like manner, formed a lane, its left resting on the 
 heights, near Ilie entrance to the monument, and extending 
 along the road towards the villav:e of Queenstown. On 
 reaciiing the commencement of this lane, the processiiou 
 resumed its formation, all horses, carriages, &;c., keeping in 
 tlie rear; and when the head of the column approached the 
 monument, it inelined to the right, to allow the body to 
 proceed direct to the entrance. The guard of honor then 
 halted and formed in parade order ; tli*; 21 and :)d Lincoln 
 regiments following the procession in like manner as the 1st 
 and 4th. 
 
 "The time occupied in moving from the fort to Qneensfown, 
 a distance of nearly seven miles, was about three hours, 
 including stojipugcs Heing avriv ed opposite the sp'it v\here 
 the lamented hero received his mortal wound, the whole 
 proeession halted, and remained for a few minutes in solemn 
 pause. It then ascended the heiulits, and to the spectator 
 who had his station on the summit ticar the monument, 
 nothing could be iiner than the effect of the lengthened 
 column winding slowly up tlie steep ascent in regular order, 
 surrounded by sceneryno where surpassed for romantic beauty. 
 On the boilies being removed from the hetirse and deposited 
 in the vault, the guard <d' honor presented arms, whilst the 
 artillery, (which had been taken irom the enemy duiing the 
 
454 
 
 APPENDIX A. SICTION I. 
 
 lost war,) poHted on tho lieig^hts, flrcd u solute of nhu t'-cn 
 pfun«. The troopa then inarcheJ in onUnnry tiint roui d the 
 xnoniiinent, uiiil iminediulely sepnruted ' ■■ their ret^x vtive 
 parades. 
 
 "All those who were inclined to visit the interior oT the 
 vault were then permitted lo enter h\ small pnrtieH. The 
 reniainti uf the brave M'Donell lie to th.^ left of those of the 
 general. On the general's eotfin, nl-icli is otlierwise »iuife 
 plain and overed with b! "'k cloth, are two oval plat<'3 of 
 silver, each six inches bv tour, one above the other. On the 
 first is the following indcription : 
 
 r.ere lie tin. earthly rcniairiH of a brave 
 and virtuous heri', 
 
 MAJOR.(iKVKKAL SiK l<iAAr UnOCK, 
 
 Cuiiinitiiuler of tin- Hritisli Forces, 
 
 aitil Prosideiit <i(lmifiistrriii|if 
 
 the tfovornment of Upper Canada, 
 
 who fell, when gloriously en^caifinR the enemies 
 
 of his country, 
 
 at the head of tlie Klank Companies 
 
 of the -lytii Regiment, 
 
 in the town of Uuecnstown, 
 
 on the morning of the I3th October, 1812, 
 
 \gcd 42 years. 
 
 J. B, GLEGG, A. D. C, 
 
 " And on the second plate the following additional inscrip- 
 tion id engraved : 
 
 The remains of the late 
 
 M.iIOR-tiKNKKAl Htn IsAAO liRorK, K.B. 
 
 removed fioin Fort Cieorge to this vault, 
 
 on the i:ith of October, 1824. 
 
 Ml 
 
 JS^i 
 
 H 
 
 *'Upon a similar plate, on the lid of the aide-de-camp's 
 coffin, was engraved : 
 
 The remains of 
 LiKUT.-Coi.. John M'Donki,!., 
 Provincial Aideele-Camp to the late 
 ' Major-Gknkral Buorg, 
 
 who died on the Uth of October, 1812, 
 
 of wounds rc'-eived in action the day before, 
 
 Aged 2!) years. 
 
 ff 
 
 ** Several printed papers, having the following extract from 
 the government dispatches of the day, were handed about -. 
 
 [See ispatch fr.im Earl Bathurst to Sir George Prcvost, page 338.~Ed.] 
 
 " Besides which, on large placards, to the number of several 
 hunc'«'eds, copies of the inscription ti be placed on the tablet, 
 over the entrance of the monument, were distributed amongst 
 the assembled multitudes, and which is as follows : 
 
 "The Legislature of Upper Canada has dedicated this Monument to the 
 very eminent civil and military services of the late Bir Isaac firock, 
 
e of nlnrU?cn 
 int rout d the 
 (Mr re»t)t 'five 
 
 nt<'rior of the 
 pnrtieH. Tins 
 »f those of the 
 tJurwise (luitp 
 oval plutt.'S of 
 (ther. On the 
 
 SIR ISAAC DHOCK. 
 
 4ihj 
 
 micg 
 
 2, 
 
 I.KGG, A. D. C, 
 itionnl inscHp- 
 
 B. 
 
 t. 
 
 aide-de-camp's 
 
 ore, 
 
 iR extract from 
 iiided about -. 
 
 it, page 338.— Ed.] 
 
 nuber of several 
 (I on the tablet, 
 ibuted amongst 
 owe : 
 
 . Monument to the 
 Sir Isaac Brock, 
 
 Kniithtofthe Most Hun. Ontcr of the Bath, ProvUional Mcutcnant. 
 (iovcrnor, ami Major (ieiirral comi andiiiif the KorccH in this I'mvince, 
 whoKc remains arc <lp|>(>>,iffi| III fh»;\aiilf bciuHili. Haiiuir exiii-lU'd the 
 North Wt-Hfcrn .\rmv "f thv ' /ntptl Sr«f> », arhx-vrd lt» capture, received 
 the tturrpnitiT of Kort Dotont. ntul the f rrltoiy uf MirhlKan. under 
 ririumstaniies which have riMidcri-d h.is rume illuitrioim, he returned In 
 the protection of this fronllir; ^nd udvmicinjf with his small foree to 
 repel a "icotid tnvaMir)n of the enemv.flieu in j,i's«ei.Hl(in of these heiifhtN, 
 he fell in action, on the l.ttli of Oitolier, IkC', In the lorty-thUd y«'ar of hln 
 a>fe. honoured and lulnvetl hj the people whom lie |fov»rned, and deplored 
 by his yovertiKn, to whose serMce liii> lile had hecii di voted." 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 "By the best compulation we could make, and avoiding 
 all exatf»>eriitiou, at I lie lime th'' procesuiun reaclu'd the 
 Dioiiument iheroc oM ii,,t he l«'s«i than hvi' lhou><iuid persons 
 present, many of uoin were from the liiited Stales. (Jen 
 eral Brock, ind'v.i, wit« a ninn no less est^'eincd by the enei ; ; 
 than he waH <i< lo "d ..rul almost nilored by liis frier'ils tuid 
 soldiery ; and v -ard several Amerieaiis »»y, >• ho had 
 
 served again-^t h .u \ »nw him fall, that they lann nted his 
 death as mu' i bh they ^^'luld have done that of any of their 
 own g(mcral-. on account of his hunianity, and the \(veal 
 attention he had uniformly shewn to his prisoners. 
 
 "His excelleney the lieutenant-yovernor (Major-tJencral 
 Sir PeriffriiM' Maitiami, K V. l^.) was in full dmsH, and, wo 
 are ha^ipy to say, appeared in ^ood health utter his late, 
 fatiguinc' journey of inspectifm to the Lower Province. The 
 two M'n<inril8 and Captain Wilkinson, of the id (ilengary 
 regiment, relatives of the dKceased I.ieut.-(rolonel M'Donoll, 
 in the hij^hland coslunus appeared lu the proceshion to great 
 advantage, and seemed to excite much attention. 
 
 *' But among the assembled warriors and civilianf-, none 
 excited a more lively interest than tho chiefs of the Indian 
 tiatioii-5 from the (Jrand lliver, wiiose warlike appearance, 
 intrepid aspect, picturesque dress and ornainents, and majebtic 
 demeanour, acceded well with the tiolemn pomp md general 
 character of a military procession — amongst these, ycung 
 Brant, Bears Foot, and Henry, were distinguished. In our 
 mind we never saw a tlress more elegant in its kind, and fit 
 for active service in the woods, than that worn by young 
 Brant, who, with his tomahawk in hand, was u perfect 
 resemblance of all that could be imagined of the accomplished 
 Indian warrior. 
 
 ''Amongst the numerous gentlemen in the procj ssion, we 
 observed that old veteran, Lieutenant M'Dougall, of his 
 miyesty's Sth (the king's) regiment, who, like a brave and 
 loyal man, came from Sandwich to attend the re-inierment." 
 — Upper Canada Gazette, October ■, 1824. 
 
IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
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 7 
 
 Photographic 
 
 Sciences 
 Corporation 
 
 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, NY. 14580 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 
 
 '^^^ ^ 
 

m] 
 
 APPENDI.Y. A. SECTION I. 
 
 i; i! 
 
 ji! " 
 
 " We had the melancholy pleasure of a( tcndinfr, on "Wednes- 
 day last, the removal of tlie mortal remains of Major-General 
 Sir Isaac Brock, and those of his deceased aide-de-camp, Lieut.- 
 Colonel M'Donell, from Fort George to the mouument at 
 Queenstown Heights. 
 
 '< The day was remarkably fine — the persons who attended to 
 pay this last tribute of respect to their memories were highly 
 respectable and numerous. There could not be loss than 
 10,000 persons present. 
 
 *' His Excellency, Major Ilillier, Ensign Maitland, Colonels 
 Fosters, Coffin, and Fitzgibbon, appeared on tlie ground half 
 an hour before the procession moved from Fort George. 
 * * * » * 
 
 "About the hour of 10 o'clock, the 1st and 4th regiments of 
 Lincoln militia, were formed in lines 40 yards apart at Fori, 
 George, Within the lines wasa guard of honor, consisting of 
 a company of tbe 7(>th regiment. On the hearse being 
 brought out of the fort, the guard presented arms, and the 
 royal artillery fired a salute of nineteen guns. 
 
 '' The procession moved in the following order; 
 
 Captain Brown, 37t]i Recfiment. 
 Grenadiers of the "(itU Regiment. 
 Band of do. 
 Right wing of 76th Rogimcnt. 
 Isaac Swayzf, Es^ci. 
 THE HEARSE, 
 Drawn by four Black Horses. 
 Chief Mourners : — Colonel (rivens, of the West York Militia, and 
 Cohmel Uorinld M'Oom '1. 
 Supporters to the Chief Mourners. — Lt.-CoUiRi'l Duncan M'Donell, and 
 Capt. Wilkinson, of the Glerigary Roeiim nt, in lull uniform. 
 Coramissioncr.s for the Moimment. 
 GentlcuiCTi of the T'resis. 
 Biirri -iters. 
 Medical (lentlenien. 
 Members of tne House of Assembly- 
 Members of the Legislative Council. 
 Sheriffs, Coroners, and Magistrates. 
 Oflicevs of the Army and Xavy on lialf pay, 
 Heads of public Departments 
 Judges of the Court of King's Bench. 
 Members of the Executive Council. 
 His Excellency Sir Peregrine Maitland and Suite. 
 Colonels Wardlaw and Leonard. 
 Left Wing (if the ;iith Regiment. 
 Officers of the W st York Militia, inider the command of 
 Lieut. (;ol. Jiakie, 
 Captain George Dennison, of tlie York Dragoons. 
 Officers of the East York Militia, tiniler the command of 
 Lieut.-('olonel Hcward. 
 Colonel .John Beverley Rol)inson and Major Radenhurst, of the second 
 
 East York Militia. 
 
 Chiefs from each Tribe of the Five Nations. — Captain Brant, 
 
 Ahyonwaeghs, Tehanagarene, Tewaserake, Skayentakaeu, 
 
 Thalotatro, Kaghnitake, Teyothorewen. 
 
^ ■^'.•; '"■■»v '!',•:■■£': '■ ■ 
 
 fT, onWednes- 
 
 Vlajor-Geiieral 
 
 -camp, Lieut.- 
 
 monvinient at 
 
 ho attended to 
 es were highly 
 L be Ifss than 
 
 tland, Colonels 
 lie ground half 
 t George. 
 
 th regiments of 
 s apart at Fori 
 IT, consisting of 
 i hearse being 
 arms, and the 
 
 iJer: 
 
 irk Militia, and 
 
 a^i M'DoneU, and 
 full uuiform. 
 
 pay, 
 
 i SSuitc. 
 
 omniand of 
 
 mmand oi 
 
 irst, of the second 
 
 -Captain Brant, 
 
 kayeiitakaen, 
 
 •eii. 
 
 SIR ISAAC TiUOCK. 
 
 
 Markham Cavalry -Captain and Lieutenant liutton. 
 
 Gore Militia : — (:oloiiol James frooks, C aptnin M. Crooks, 
 
 l.ieiitrnaiit Fiiidlay, and Dr. lliunilton. 
 
 Oxford Militia —Coloiu I Horner and Dr. Cornish. 
 
 56i( ( icnth'iiHii nil linrsflmci^. 
 
 285 Carriages, digs, and i>leasnro Wauj^ons, filk-d with well dressed 
 
 ' -^dies and Gciitlenicn. 
 
 "The pedestrians were nunu'roua, 
 
 "The procession asriended the mountain ten minutes after 
 two o'clock, and ruarthed through a lane formed by the 'id 
 and 3d regiments of Lincoln iniliiia, tu the monument. 
 
 " Upon the bod'es being taken froui tlie hearse and depo- 
 sited in the vault within tlie monument, the guard presented 
 ar;iis, and the artillery, posted on tlie height*, fired a salute 
 of ninfteen guns." — York Observer, October 18, 18'i4. 
 
 No. 14. — Page -ii.i. 
 
 "Queenstown, at which place the steam boats start for 
 Toronto, is situated in a delicious valley, through which the 
 Niagara vjver, in colour a deep green, pursues its course. It 
 is approached by a road that takes its wuiding way among 
 the heights by which the town is shfltercd, and, seen from 
 this point, is e.xtremely beautiful and pioture.-'que. On the 
 most conspicuous of these heights stood a monument, erected 
 by the provincial legislature in memory of (General Brock, 
 who was slain in a battle with the ik.mericau forces, after 
 having won the victory. Some vagabond, supposed to be a 
 fellow of the name of Lett, who is now, or wlio lately was, in 
 prison as a felcn, blew up this monument two y.^nrs .igo; 
 and it is now a melancholy ruin, with ri long fragment oif 
 iron railing hanging dejecttdly froni its top, and waving to 
 and fro like a wild ivy branch or broken vine stem. It is of 
 much higher importance than it may seem that this statue 
 should be repaired at the public cost, as it ought to have been 
 long ago; first, because it is beneath the digiiity of England 
 to allow a memorial, raised in honor of one ot her defenders, 
 to remain in this condition, on the very spot where he died; 
 secondly, because the sight of it in its present state, and the 
 recollection of the unpunished outrafie which brouuht it to 
 this pass, are not very likely to so Miie down border fejdings 
 among English subjects here, orcomj)ose their border quarrels 
 and dislikes." — Dickens' American Noteif, vol. ii., pp. 187, IBb. 
 
 W 
 
4.j8 
 
 APrExVDlX A. SECTION II. 
 
 SECTION II.— AMERICAN AUTHORS, 
 
 •I 
 
 I, 
 
 ■ill ' 
 1- 
 
 No. 1.— Page 248. 
 Extract from Jefferson's Correspondence. ■ 
 October 1, 1812. 
 
 ■Monticello, 
 
 "I fear that Hull's surrender has been more than the mere 
 loss of a year to us. Besides bringing on us the whole mass 
 of savage nations, ;vhoni fear, and not affection, had kept in 
 quiet, there is danger that, in giving time to an enemy who 
 can send reinforcements of regulars taster than we can raise 
 them, they may strengthen Canada and Halifax beyond the 
 assailment of our lax and divided powers. Perhaps, how- 
 ever, the patriotic efforts from Kentucky and Ohio, by 
 recalling the British force to its upper posts, may yet give 
 time to Dearborn to strike a blow below. Eifectual posses- 
 sion of the river from Montreal to Chaudiere, which is 
 practicable, would give us the upper country at our leisure, 
 and close for ever the scenes of the tomahawk and scalping 
 knife." 
 
 No. 2.— Page 254. 
 
 ^'Revolutionary Services of General Hull, as taken from his 
 Defence before the Court Martial, in starch, 1814. 
 
 "For more than half a century I supported a character 
 without reproach. My youth was devoted to the service of 
 my country ; I fought her battles in that war which achieved 
 her liberty and independence, and which was ended before 
 many of you, gentlemen, who are my judges, were born. If 
 upon any occasion a man may speak of his own merits, it is 
 at such a time as this : ard I hope I may be permitted to 
 present to you, in very few words, a narration of my life, while 
 I was engaged in scenes which were calculated to prove a 
 man's firmness and courage. 1 shall do it with less reluctance, 
 because the testimony I have oflfered of the venerable men 
 who served with me in the revolutionary war, will vouch for 
 all I have to say. In the year 1775, at the age of about 
 twenty-one years, I wps appointed a captain in one of the 
 Connecticut regiments ring that campaign, and until 
 
 March, 1776, when th: ;my evacuated Boston, I served 
 with the army at Cambnuge and Iloxbury, and in the imme- 
 diate command of General Washington. I was with that 
 part of the army, in March, 1776, which took possession of 
 Dorchester heights — the movement which compelled the 
 enemy to evacuate Boston. The next day, the regiment to 
 
SIR ISA\C BnocK. 
 
 459 
 
 )RS. 
 
 — Monticello, 
 
 a than the mere 
 
 the whole mass 
 
 )n, had kept in 
 
 an enemy who 
 
 an we can raise 
 
 ifax beyond the 
 
 Perhaps, how- 
 
 and Ohio, by 
 
 9, may yet give 
 
 'effectual posses- 
 
 diere, which is 
 
 f at our leisure, 
 
 fi'k. and scalping 
 
 taken from his 
 
 !/t, 1814. 
 
 ted a character 
 
 the service of 
 which achieved 
 as ended before 
 , were born. If 
 )wn merits, it is 
 be permitted to 
 of my life, while 
 ited to prove a 
 
 1 less reluctance, 
 ij venerable men 
 r, will vouch for 
 he age of about 
 in in one of the 
 aign, and until 
 Joston, I served 
 lid in the imrae- 
 
 was with that 
 
 .)k possession of 
 
 compelled the 
 
 he regiment to 
 
 which I bolont-'cd marched for New York. T was on Long 
 Island when the t'neniy landeil, and romained tmfil the niuiit 
 the whole; army retrcait'd. I was in !>everal small skirmishes, 
 both on liOtig Isliuid and York Island. beiVire the army retired 
 to the While Plains. I fljcn l)eloii.;od to Culunel i'harlcs 
 Webb's regiment, of ronneoliciU. 
 
 "This regiment wuh itt tlu- severrst part of the action on 
 Chalterdon's flill, a little adMinccd of tin.' VVlnto I'lains, a 
 few days after the niuin body of the: army iihimtloned New 
 York. This battle ismenuirablc in the history of our country ; 
 and the regiment to which I belonged reoei\ed the piirticular 
 thanks of (ieneral Washiniiton, in his public orders, for its 
 bravery and good conduct on t!ie occasion. It was [mrticu- 
 larly distinguished from all the other troops engagod ia the 
 action. I received a slight wound by a musket ball in my 
 side, but it did not prexent me from reuiauiini^ at the head of 
 my company. 
 
 " I was in the battle of Trenton, when the Hessians were 
 taken, in December, I77<i: and, being one of the yiningest 
 captains in the army, was promoted by (if neral VV tHiiington 
 the day after the battle, to a majority, lor my conduct on that 
 occasion. The 1st ot January, 1777, ! was ni the battle of 
 Princeton. In the campaign of the same year, the regiment 
 to which I belonged served in the northern army. I was early 
 in the spring ordered to Ticonderoga, ard commanded the 
 regiment (being the senior otHcer present) under General St. 
 Clair, and I was with that officer in his retreat from that post. 
 
 "After General St. Clair's army formed a junction with 
 General Schuyler's army on fhe North River, at Fort Edward, 
 the regiment to which J belonged uas detached, and marched 
 to Fi/Tt Schuyler, and relieved that post, which was besieged 
 by General St. Leger. 
 
 "On the retreat of General Schuyler's army from Foif. 
 E<lward, I commandect the rear guard of the army ; and, 
 being two miles in the rear, was attacked by a large body ot 
 British troops and Indians at daylight in the morning, in 
 which action were killed and wonidi'd between thirty and 
 forty of my guard. And 1 receivc^d the particular thanks of 
 General Schuyler for my conduct on the occasion. 
 
 " I was in the two memorable battles, on the 10th of 
 September and the 7th of October, on liemis' heights, 
 against General Burgoyne's army, previous to its surrender. 
 In the action of the lOth of September, 1 commanded a 
 detachment of three hundred men, who fought the principal 
 part of the afternoon, and more than one half of them were 
 killed or wounded. 
 
 " On the 7th of October, I likewise commanded a detach- 
 ment from *.he Jirigade which assisted in attacking the enemy 
 on the left of our position, defeated him, followed him to the 
 
i.- 
 
 400 
 
 APPENDIX A. SECTION II. 
 
 l! 
 
 ) i ' 
 
 :l^ 
 
 ■W^ 
 
 it 
 
 right of his lines, stormed his entrencliments, and took and 
 lifld possession (jf the right of liiy 7)()silion, which compelled 
 liim to rctr<i;it to Saratoga, and then* to capitulate. 
 
 "After the Tuemuiablc event of the capitulation of General 
 nurgoyne's army, the regiment to which I belonged was 
 ordered to rennsyivania, to join the army under the command 
 of (lerieral Washington. I remained with the army the 
 winter of 1777, lU \'alley Forge; and in the sfpring of 1778, 
 when the Dritisdi army evacuated Philadelphia, I was in the 
 battle of Mojxmouth. 
 
 *'From December, 1778, to May, t77!>, 1 commanded the 
 American posts in advance of the White Plains, near Kings- 
 bridge, during which time I had various skirmishes with the 
 enemy. In May, 177!), the principal part of the British army 
 advanced up the Nort'.i Elver to Verjiluiik's and Stoney Poin<, 
 and 1 was ordered to retreat before them to West Point. 
 
 '* I then joined the light iniuntry, nnfler the command of 
 General Wayuf, ,ind was in the memorable attack on Stoney 
 Point, wiih a separate command ot four hundred light infantry. 
 
 " For my conduct on this occasion I received the particular 
 thanks of General Wayne, General Washington, and congress. 
 
 '''In the summer and autumn of 17M(), I commanded the 
 advanced posts of tlie army ; and in December of that year, 
 I commanded an expedition against the enemy, stationed at 
 Morrissina, which was successful, and for which I received 
 the tlianks of General Washingion, in liis general orders to 
 the army, and likewise the thanks of congress. General 
 Washington, in his orders, I well remember, made use of these 
 words: 'He thanked me fur my Judicious arrangements in 
 the plan of operations, and for my intrepidity and valour in 
 the execution. ' 
 
 " From the conclusion of the revolutionary war I have 
 lived with the respect of my countrymen, and have enjoyed 
 repeated marks of their contidence in the offices which have 
 been bestowed upon me. When 1 found tiiat the independence, 
 for which 1 hud so often fought, was assailed, — that again my 
 country must appeal to arms to avenge her wrongs, and to 
 protect her rights, — 1 felt that J might yet do her some service. 
 For though many years had parsed since I had fouglit under 
 her standard, and though my own arm might i.iot have had 
 its wonted strength, yet my spirit was unbroken, and my 
 devotion to her unimpaired. I thought in the field, where 
 there could be but few who had any military experience, what 
 I had learned in the most active scenes of a seven years' war, 
 might be useful. I fondly hoped tliat in my age, as well as 
 in my youth, I might rend(*r services that should deserve the 
 gratitude of my country — that if F i'ell by the sword of her 
 enemies, my gra'.e would be moistened with the tears of my 
 countrymen i that my descendants would be proud of my 
 
 , ( 
 
and took and 
 
 licli compelled 
 
 liile. 
 
 tion of (General 
 
 belonged was 
 r the command 
 
 the army the 
 !»pring of 1778, 
 a, I was in the 
 
 :ommanded the 
 18, near King'S- 
 lishes with the 
 le British army 
 d Stoney l'oin<, 
 est Point. 
 if command of 
 tack on Stoney 
 d light infantry. 
 [I the particular 
 n, and congress. 
 ;onimanded the 
 er of that year, 
 iiy, stationed at 
 'liich 1 received 
 &ncral orders to 
 'ress. General 
 ade use of these 
 rrangements in 
 and valour in 
 
 ry war I have 
 have enjoyed 
 
 e^ which have 
 indopeudence, 
 that again my 
 
 wrongs, and to 
 
 ersorae service. 
 
 d fought under 
 not have had 
 
 oken, and my 
 le field, where 
 perience, what 
 
 ven years' war, 
 age, as well as 
 
 uld deserve the 
 sword of her 
 
 the tears of my 
 
 i proud of my 
 
 SIK ISAAC IIHOC'K. 
 
 4(11 
 
 name and i'i\nu\ But how vain is anticipation! I am now 
 accused of crimes wiiicli would bliist my former honors, and 
 transmit my memory with iuliitiiy to ]>()sterity. And in that 
 hideous catalogue, there is none from the inii)utation of which 
 my nature and my feelings linve more recoiled than from that 
 of cowardice, to which 1 iuu to answer." 
 
 "The appearance of General Hull was venerable and prepossessinp. 
 Beneath snowy locks, of nearly sixty winters' l)li'achiii(,', he exliiliited a 
 countenance as fresh and hliDniinjras a youth of e.^'hteen. His; eloriueiice 
 was perspicuous and graceful."— /l/,i(T;<7i)( Ilixtoni. 
 
 No. :;). — Page 331. 
 Letter from Captain Wool to Colonel Van Rensselaer. 
 
 "BuFFALOE, October 23, 1812. 
 
 "I have the honor to communicate to you the circumstances 
 attending the storming of (^ueenstown battery, on the 13th 
 instant; with those which happened previously you are 
 already well acqtmiiitcd. 
 
 " In pursuance ol your order, we proceeded round the 
 point and ascended the rocks, which brought us partly in rear 
 of the battery. We took it without much resistano.'. I 
 immediately formed the troops in rear of the buttery, and 
 fronting the village, when I observed General IJrock with 
 his troops formed, consisting of four compauii>s of the 40th* 
 regiment, and a few militia, marching for uur left tlnnk. 1 
 .immediately detached a party of one hundred and fifty men, 
 ifo take possession ol the heights above (iuoenstovvn battery, 
 and to hold General Brock in check ; but in consequence of his 
 superior force they retreated. 1 sent a reinforcement ; notwith- 
 standing which, the enemy drove ns lo the edge of the bank ; 
 when, with the greatest exertions, we brought the troops to a 
 stand, and ordered the officers to bring their men to a charge 
 as soon as the ammunition was exi)ende(l, which was exe- 
 cuted wuh some confusion, and in a few moments the enemy 
 retreated. \Vp pursued them to the edge of the heights, 
 when C'olonel M'Donell had liis horse shot from under him, 
 and himself was mortally wounded. In the interim, General 
 Brock, in attempting to rally his forces, was killed, when the 
 enemy tlispersed in every direction. As i<oon as it was 
 practicable I formed the troops in a line on the heights 
 fronting the village, and immediately detadied flanking 
 parties, which consisted of Captain Muchesney, of the Oth 
 regiment, Lieutenant Smith and Ensign (irosvenor, with a 
 Sinall detachment of ritiemen, who had tiiat moment arrived; 
 at the same time, 1 ordered l.ieutenant Ganesvoort and 
 Lieutenant Randolph, with a detachment of artillery, to drill 
 out an 18-pounder which had been previously spiked, and, ii 
 
b 
 
 4()2 
 
 APPENDIX A. 
 
 SECTION II. 
 
 r: 
 
 I -i: 
 
 ' 1] 
 
 m^ 
 
 po'^sible, to bring it to bear upon fbe village, llie wounded 
 and prisoners I ordered to be collected, and sent to the 
 guard-iiouse. About this time, wliich was about tliree or 
 four o'clock in lbs afternoon, LicMit. -Colonel Clirislie arrived, 
 and took tbe command. He ordered nie across tbe river to 
 net my wounds dressed. 1 remained a sbort time. Our 
 Hanking parties bad been driven in by tbe Indians; but 
 General Wadswortb and otber officer.-} arriving, wc bad a 
 sbort skirmish with them, and they retreated, and I crossed 
 the river." 
 
 [NoTB.— Captain Wool, In stating that he was opposed to four companies 
 of tlie lyth, onli/ ilouhled tlu; nuinl)er of comvvanics ; but this oxngpcratiim 
 is a trifle compared witli the followitig gross and hudihi-astir. mh ^tatOlnent.s, 
 relative to the battle of Qncenstowji in " Ramsay's History oi the United 
 States," viz. " The 49th Hritish regiment, signalized in V^y\>\. under 
 Colonel, since liientenant-Cieneral, Jlrock, and nsiially called the ' Egyp- 
 tlan Invincibles,' was amonpr the prominent corps, and was led by its 
 favorite commander. In the second engagement, this reginn ntof British 
 regulars, 60(J strong, encountered a body of 320 American regulars, 
 supported by a few militia and volunteers, the whole under Colonel 
 Chrystie. They mutually resorted to the bayonet, and after a bloody 
 conflict, the famous invincibles yielded to the superior energy of their 
 antagonists, although the latter were so far inferior in numbers. They 
 were rallied by Lieut. -General Brock, who was killed in conducting them 
 a second time to the charge. The American prisoners were kindly 
 treated by this brave regiment, who, after the battle was over, acknow- 
 ledged they had never opposed more gallant adversaries."— The 49th, not 
 having been with the British army in Egypt, could not be called the 
 "Egyptian Invincibles;" and instead of this regiment, tioo strong, being 
 led by Major ( not Lieutenant} General Brock, only the flank companies 
 were present, with a small body of militia, together about .300 men. In 
 fact, four companies of the icjth were at Kingston, ifio miles distant, and 
 the remaining four battalion comi)anies were, we believe, at Fort Erie, 2" 
 or 28 miles from Queenstown: and thtiofore. the assertion that the 
 " famous invincibles'' yielded to far inferior numbers, is something worse 
 than ridiculous. Such, however, is the correctness of this American 
 historian on the subject, and with such materials is history too often 
 compiled.— Eu,] 
 
 " REPORT OP THE BATTLE OP QUEENSTOWN " — (Extracts.) 
 
 "Captain Wool discovered the British troops forming at 
 Queenstown, and i'ormed the troops under his command in 
 line. General Brock was at the head of tbe British troops, 
 and led them round about to the lieights in tbe rear of tbe 
 battery. Captain Wool detached ]G(> men to meet the 
 British ; this detachment was driven back, reinforced, and 
 the whole driven to the brink of the precipice, forming the 
 bank of the Niagara river, above Queenstown. 
 
 "At this moment some of the officers put a white hand- 
 kerchief on a bayonet to hoist as a tlag, with intention to 
 surrender. Captain Wool inquired the object. It was 
 answered that the party were nearly without ammunition, 
 and that it was useless to sacriftce the lives of brave men. 
 Captain Wool tore off the flag, ordered the officers to rally 
 
DANIEL DE IJjd.r, U)10( K, LSti. 
 
 4(1:3 
 
 the mon, and brinjj them to tho chur<io. The onlor was 
 executed, but in some conrusiou. Tlie boaHted 4!>th couhl 
 not stand the Aniericjiii hsiyoiu't. The British troojis >veic 
 routed, and Mujor-General IJrock, in gallantly exerting 
 himself to rally them, was killi?d. His aid, Colonel M'Donell, 
 fell mortally wounded at the sn.me lime. 
 
 ** The British beinj; eoniplelt'ly driven from the heiglits 
 about ten o'clock, the line was reformed and Hankinc parties 
 sent out." — i\'i/tV Weekly Ihg'ister, \M'Z. 
 
 Extracts from Niles' Weekly Register, Baltimore, 181->. 
 
 "Extract of a letter from a gentleman ai Detroit to his 
 friend in Pitt^burj?, dated July 7, 181-2.-— ' General Hull is 
 making preparations to cross the river this evening or 
 to-morrow, and it is expected that an innnediate attack is 
 contemjjlatcd on Maiden (Andierstburg). The army are all 
 in health and {^ood spirits, and wait with anxiety to be put 
 on the other shore: they a^e eertaiuly as tine lookinu' n)en 
 as I ever saw.' " 
 
 "We have several reports of the capture of Fort Maklen. 
 General Hull has sent expresses to the crovernors of (,»hio and 
 Kentucky for further supplies of troops, sujiposed for the 
 purpose of maintaining the ground he may take, and to keep 
 the allies in check. We trust he may reliiriously adhere to 
 his proclamation, whatever General Brock may say, and give 
 •no quarters to the white savages when found fighting by the 
 side of the Indians, for whose extensive murders the Jlritish 
 should be made respf)nsible." 
 
 APPENirrx a 
 
 DANIEL DE LISLE BROCK, Esq. 
 BMLIFF OF GUKRNSEV. 
 
 This able magistrate, the third son of John lirock, Esq., 
 was born in Guernsey on the lOth of December, 1702, and 
 closed a long and useful career on Saturday evening, the 24th 
 September, 1842, at the age of 70 years and nearly 10 months. 
 After receiving such rudiments of education as the island 
 
 (/ 
 
4(54 
 
 APPExni.v n. 
 
 ( 
 
 I t: 
 
 in 
 
 r-.' 
 
 It 
 
 w 
 
 ■■ I. 
 
 coukl furnish in those days, ]w was pinced nt Aldorni'y, to 
 lvu.ru t'lie French langruogt'. iiikUt M V'iill;itt, a Swi?s protes- 
 taii rlcrgyinmi, and a iiiini of talent, who was attcrwards 
 rector ol St. I'eter-in-thi'-W'ood, m (iiioinsey. From Alderney 
 he was sent to a M.'hool at Ilii.-huiond, in Surrey, whore hf 
 remained only two years, as at thu early age of fourtt'en he 
 w»'nt to Dinan with hi- iatlier, wIjh died I here. Tlie premature 
 death of Iiis jiarenfs was an irre|)nr!d)h; Kiss to the son, us it 
 was the cause of liis not relurniny to school, wliere he had 
 already sliown that, he possessed a vi^rour of intelleft much 
 beyond liis years. Hii two elder brotln^TS were in the army, 
 and the pardonable fondness of his mother induced her to 
 retain at home the only one of her sons, who could in some 
 measure replace the counsels of her husband. 
 
 In ITd/i, he went by sea to the Mediterranean, and spent 
 upwards of a year in visifini^ Spiiin, Malta, Sicilj, Italy, 
 Swit/criand, and Franc*.'. In 17!it<, he was elected jurat of 
 the Royal Court ; and the ijreater part, if not the whole, of 
 the public ducunients of tluU body, were from that period 
 written by him. In ]H-il, he obtained the high and respon- 
 sible appointment of bailitl, or chief magistrate, of Guernsey. 
 
 " It has been truly said tiiat the history of Guernsey, for 
 the last fifty years, was, in fact, the history of Daniel De 
 Lisle lirock . So exclusively has the better part of Mr. 
 Brock's life been devoted to the service of his country -so 
 completely have his affections been wra{)|)ed up in her welfare 
 — so ardently, so /.ealously, and so unceasingly has he la- 
 boured to promote her prosperity and to protect her privi- 
 leges—and so intimately has he been connected with all the 
 important occurrences of the period alluded to — tliat in read- 
 injj the histDry of the island, we read the history of this, the 
 most able and devoted of its friends." 
 
 Between the years liS()4 and 1810, Mr. Brock was deputed 
 by the States and Boyal Court of Guernsey no less than four 
 times, as their representative to government, in matters 
 connected with the trade and privilege^ of the island; and 
 he also went once to Jersey, to confer with tin.' l^oyal Court 
 there on the same subject. In these missions, ^Ir. Brock 
 distinguished himself by his luminous and argumentative 
 jiapers,* and the authority of the Royal Court was happily 
 preserved intact by his representations and unremitting exer- 
 tions. In one of his official visits to London, he became 
 known to the Duke of Northumberland, at whose table he 
 was an occasional guest. The Duke mentioned to him that 
 his grandfather, who had been Governor of Guernsey (a sine- 
 
 * "There are some of the piililic papers written Dy Mr. Biock which may 
 ho profitahly .^.tucUed as umtlels of this kind of couipositiuij." — Guernsey 
 Star, Stptcmber 26, 1842. 
 
at Aliloriii'y, to 
 , n Svvisi!! protos- 
 
 wii'^ altirwards 
 
 Iroiu Aldcrney 
 
 iiirrey, whore he 
 
 jt' of fourteen he 
 
 . 'I'lie premiiture 
 
 to the son, us it 
 yi, where he had 
 if iiitellefr nuieli 
 ■ore in tlie army, 
 • indiiceil her to 
 10 could in some 
 
 mean, and spent 
 a, Sicily, Italy, 
 s eleeted jurat of 
 lot the whole, of 
 from that period 
 higli and respon- 
 ite, of Ciiiernsoy. 
 of Guernsey, for 
 )ry of Daniel De 
 tter part of Mr. 
 i" his eountry — so 
 up in her welfare 
 jingly has lie la- 
 tniieet Ikt privi- 
 eeted with all tlie 
 to — tliat in read- 
 ^tory of this, the 
 
 ock wa» deputed 
 
 nc> less than four 
 
 lent, in matters 
 
 the island ; and 
 
 tlie lloyal Court 
 
 ions, ^[r. lirock 
 
 d argumentative 
 
 >urt was happily 
 
 inrevnittin;^ exer- 
 
 ndou, he beeauie 
 
 t whose table ho 
 
 oned to him that 
 
 Guernsey (a sine- 
 
 ,lr. Block which may 
 osition." — Guernsey 
 
 nAMEi- nr i.isi.f": nnocK, khq. 
 
 4Gr> 
 
 euro) from the year 1742 to his denih in 17r)(), had expressed 
 his surprise that, diniii>jr tluit pcriud, he had ne\ I'r been a^ked 
 for a sintyle favor by any inliahiimit nf the i-latid. In those 
 days the natives, with their -iuiplf habits and nwjderale wants, 
 were happily more independent of the smiles ur frowns of 
 ])ower than tiiey are at present, as. posses>*inu: no pirliainen- 
 tary influence, they have little elianco in the distribution of 
 government jiatronage. 
 
 *' In IfS'il, an act of i>arliamerit h!ivitit>- been passeil prohi- 
 Ijiting the inijx.rtalion ot fereign eorn into the Channel 
 Islands, whenever its entry for eonsumplioti wa^ jirDliibited 
 in England, to wit, until it reaehed l!ie price of 8()s. per 
 'piarfer, Mr. IJrock was 'ypuw ibpiited to London to contend 
 against a measure fraught mIiIi inch fatal conM'(|ueuccs to 
 the islands, and at tin; same time to ubtain some n\odiHca- 
 tions in the navigation laws. Mr. Brock, wlio was essentially 
 assisted in this bii-iness by Mr. .Iain<-^Can>y, jurat, sueceeiled 
 in both these object-^. 'riu> obmj.sious coin law was lepealed 
 so far as the Channel Islands were concerned, and some 
 important privileges coneeiled to their trade and navigation, 
 especinlly in uranting Iheni IVee intercourse wii.li the IJritish 
 colonies, and tin." American continent and islands. So highly 
 were these last services appreci.'ited. that when .Mr. lirock 
 returned to Guernsey, on the -J4th ,Iidy, lH'J-2, he was received 
 with unexainpleil enlliu-iasm. On huiding in the morning, 
 he was sainted with deafening ciies ol' ^^ li rock Jar cee;- .' " 
 " LotKj luai/ he lire ! " &c. The public Joy was manifested on 
 this occa-ion in many ddferent ways. The shipi)ing in the 
 harbour Imisted their flitgs; crowns and garlands of flowers, 
 flags, loaves of bread, with ears of corn, were ttistefidly 
 arranged, and suspend^'d in almost every street; mottos and 
 devices, exyjressive of unbounded gratitude, were exhibited 
 in every direction, and in the greatest variety; and the 
 clnn-ch bells throughout the island rang merry peals during 
 the day. Bands of music ]>araded the town, followed by 
 crowds, on whose happy eounlenances " Mirth, admit tno of 
 thy crew," was expressed. The musicians wore various co- 
 loured bands n und their hats, wiiii the motto of " Lomj livn 
 Bailiff' Brock!" They surrounded a banner crowned with 
 flowers, hearing the following inscription : 
 
 "The grateful iniiabitaiits of Gurriispy, to tlu- worth v Ilaihff, 
 
 DANJF.l. OK I.I.SI.I': tiHOCK. 
 
 Happy is he who lalio\irs to promote the happiiioss of h'.s fcllow-citizeiis. 
 
 He will secure their eternal liratirnile. T!\ey will lllK•t•usin^'ly exclaim; 
 
 •May God preserve our fiieuil, our hencfaetor, and cur paieiit.'" 
 
 "This inscription, having been borne in triumph ia every 
 pari of the town, was presented to the object of w.il-merited 
 praise, and accepted. Preparations had been made by the 
 
460 
 
 APPENDIX II. 
 
 militia bands to receive \U\ti distinj^uiiiihod putriot at the 
 liindiuQ^ place ; but their j^cmhI iiitc'iifi<jus weri* lliwnrted, in 
 CDiiueiiuence of the early iiour at wliicli the arrival took 
 place. At a pui)lic lueeiiny: of the iuiiahitniits, it was de- 
 tortJiincd to present a piece of plate to Mr. Brock, os a 
 testimony of the value attached tu his public, services, and in 
 the liojje that this faint evidence of their attachment nii^^ht 
 serve to stimulate others to follow his steps, and mi^ht des- 
 cend n.s n memorial to his posterity, l/pwards of £:<()(> were 
 quickly raised for this purpo.«p, uikI other Jess valuable, but 
 not Jess gratifying, testiuioniaJ"> were presented to him. Nor 
 was Jersey less grateful, as a public meeting was lield in the 
 town of St. Ilelier, \*hen llie tlianks of the ishmd and a 
 handsome piece of plate were unanimously voted to liim." 
 
 In 1820, General Sir John Doyle, Bart, and G.C.B., for 
 many years lieutenant-governor of (iuernsey, vi:'ited the 
 island; and at a piihlie dinner, given to him on the '^iJth 
 August, at the Assembly Rooms, he ro.'ie and spoke as 
 follows ; 
 
 " ficntlcmcn, — llavinjf rpcelved permission from the chair, I rise to 
 propose a toast which would be well received in any society where the 
 enlltfhtcned iiidivicUial is known. But here I anticipate it will be met by 
 acclamation and enthusiasm. I do not propose his health, merely be- 
 cause he is my friciul, althotiich I feel truly lionnred by his friendship ; 
 and the more so, as I know that it oripnated and was cemented by hi.s 
 conviction of my honest zeal for the \)ul)lic good, and the deep interest I 
 took in the welfare of his native land. Hut I i;ive him us a publie man, 
 who, to a sound, xidrorous, and cultivated lUKlerstandinx, joins a liberal 
 and enlightened mind— an innate love of justice, and hatred <if oppression 
 — an intk'xible adheretiee to tlmt which appears to him to be rii!;ht — a 
 man too wise to be cunninK. Armed with the ' tnois eonscin recti,' he 
 marches straightforward to his obji'ct nor turns into the devious path of 
 crooked policy, and h ft-hnndcd wisdom To these '(Utilities are added 
 indefatigable industry, "mI a patience not to he exhausted. This is the 
 man, wlio, as a piihlic magistrate in hi^fh station, 1 ofTer for your accep- 
 tance. (Jf his private worth, I dare not say al) that 1 feci. He is present. 
 Vou know him, and can duly appreciate his value. You will have 
 anticipated that 1 mean the Ijiiiliff uf (Juernsey. I now propose to you 
 'The health of the hailiff, and unalloyed happiness to the island of 
 (iuernsey.' " 
 
 m 
 
 |. ;f, 
 
 "In 1832, one of the n- >st ancient and vital privileges of 
 Guernsey — tlie right of the inhabitants to be tried in their 
 own local court — was placed in peril, it being assailed by no 
 less a character than Lord Chief Justice Tenterden, who 
 sought to extend the power of tlie writ of habeas corpus to 
 this island. The liistory of this* event would occupy much 
 more space than we can now devote to it. SufHcc it here to 
 say, that after much correspondence on the subject, Mr 
 Brock and IMr. Cliarles De Jersey, the king's procureur, were 
 deputed to London, to act in conjunction with the bailiff and 
 procureur of Jersey in opposing the measure. The mission 
 
 
 r - 
 4 :i; \ 
 
DANIF.I. ni' MSI.E niiOCK, KSQ. 
 
 •4(17 
 
 patriot at the 
 .Ti' iliwnrtcd, in 
 lie urrival took 
 iits, It was de- 
 r. lJrt>ck, OS a 
 ricrvic'C's, and in 
 laclimt'iit mij^ht 
 and inif^lit dea- 
 ds of £:i<H» weri! 
 ss valiiablp, but 
 I'd to liiiii. Nor 
 
 was hold in the 
 lie ir<laml and a 
 Dted to hiin." 
 ind CJ.C.D., for 
 ley, visited the 
 iiii oil the '2'Jth 
 3 and sjioke as 
 
 the chair, I rise to 
 y society where the 
 ite it will he met by 
 lu;alth, merely be- 
 by his friciKlship ; 
 ms cemented by his 
 I tlie lUep interest I 
 ini us a publie man, 
 intf, joins a liberal 
 iHtrctl of oppression 
 him to he ria;ht~a 
 »s cimscin recti,' he 
 the devious path of 
 liiiUitics are aiiiled 
 lusted. This is the 
 iftVr lor your aceep- 
 ecl. He is prf'sent, 
 e. You will have 
 low propose to yoa 
 s to the island of 
 
 tal privileges of 
 )e tried in their 
 c; assailed by no 
 i'enterden, who 
 labeas corpus to 
 d occupy much 
 5utnco it here to 
 10 subject, Mr 
 proeureur, were 
 h the bailiff and 
 The mission 
 
 fm 
 
 was Buccossful, and the independence of the insular jurisdic- 
 tions was uiuintaiiied. 
 
 " The last occasion on which Mr, Hrock went to Knpland 
 in the Hcrvice of his native island, was in tlie year IH:)-"», when 
 the Channel Islands were menaced with Iteing deprived of tire 
 privileire of sending their I'orti into England, dutyfree. An 
 idea liad obtained f?roiind that thix pii\ii.^;e was abused; 
 and, inconsequence, a lull was bruii<j;ht int • parliament to 
 deprive the islands of this important oraneh of their trade. 
 Deputies wore therefore appointed by the idands to proceed 
 to London, for the purpoi-e of advooatiiifj; their riu^his, and 
 Mr. Brock was again tivcd on as the ruire-ei.tulive of tiiiern- 
 sey. Owing to the remonstrances of this d»'putati<iu, n select 
 committee of the House of Commons was ap|)ointed to inquire 
 into the matter, and tlie result was that the bill wa-^ with- 
 drawn. So highly were Mr. Brock's services on this occasion 
 valued by both islr.nils, that the Stat'S of Jersey \oterl him 
 apiece of plate of the value of £UR», whilst the Stales of 
 (luernsey voted that portrait whicli now adorns thij interior 
 of the court-lioust!, and which will afford to succeeding^ 
 generations the means of contemiilutihg the inteileetaal coun- 
 tenance and venerable form of one whom they will ever 
 remember as the firmest friend, and ablest admii. ■ rator of his 
 country. 
 
 " From the period here alluded to, until within a few days 
 of his death, Mr. Brock was unremittinjily enga5;ed in la- 
 bouring for the public good. The reeor(ls of the island will 
 show how indefatigably he devoted Jiimself to its service ; 
 and it may be trulj said of him, that to hi- latest moment 
 the desire to secure its welfare was tlic reigning impulse of 
 bis heart." 
 
 Mr. Brock left one son, Eugene, a captain in the 20th 
 regiment, since deceas' d, unmarried ; -.ind one daughter, now 
 also unmarried. In eoi ittenance and robustness of frame, 
 although not .so tall, as well as in vigour of intelhct and 
 decision of character, the bailuf strongly resembled bis bro- 
 ther, Sir Isaac Brock ; and when a trie nd of the latter. Sir 
 James Kempt, visited Guernsey, in his official capacity as 
 master-general of the ordnance, he was struck with the per- 
 sonal resemblance, notwithstanding that Mr. Brock was then 
 in his 71st year. 
 
 The Royal Court, having met on the 2Gth September, to 
 appoint a judge delegate to replace pro tempore the late bai- 
 liff, unanimously requested the family of the deceased to 
 allow him to be buried at the expense of the States of Guern- 
 sey, and the funeral was in consequence a pnhlie one. "For 
 though Mr. Brock had enriched his country wilii numerous 
 and inappreciable benefits — though he bequeathed to it an 
 inestimable heritage in his deeds and iu his example — he 
 
4G8 
 
 APPENDIX b. 
 
 W' 
 
 Mi 'i;'^ : 
 
 w 
 
 
 (lied in honorable and ennobling poverty, resnltin;^ from his 
 disinterestedness, his integrity, nnd liis ]iatri()lism.* The 
 public, we gay, were pleased, were gratitted, were proud in 
 seeing that their representatives and rulers so i>roniptly and 
 so handsomely anticipated and fulfilled llieir wishes, and they 
 looked forward to the moment of ]taying to their departed 
 benefactor the last mournfid honors with feelings in which 
 complacency was not unmingled with their grief. 
 
 "Some hours before the time appointed for the ceremony, 
 the inhabitants of the country parishes, mostly clothed in 
 respectable mourning, were seen thronging into town; and 
 by eleven o'clock a considerable crowd was collected in the 
 front of Mr. Savery IJruok's house, from whence the proces- 
 sion was to issue. Punctually at the time appointed, (twelve 
 o'clock,) the authorities and other gentlemen invited to take 
 part in the ceremony, together with a lan^e number of per- 
 sons who attended S])ontaneously to pay the last mark of 
 respect 'o the deceased, were assembled; and having been 
 marshalled by tiie deputy sheriff's and the special constables, 
 in the mann^'i laid down in the programme, the mournful 
 cortege, coniprising nearly five hundred persons, issued into the 
 Grange Road in the following ortler of procession : 
 
 Four Assistant Constables, 
 (each with lli^ Sfaft' of oftice, 
 Two Deputy Slu'iilfs. -Doiiuty (ircilicr — I)t'|iuty Sergeant. 
 Deputy H.iiliour Masti-r.— Postmaster. 
 Sur\ I'yor of \Vorl<s. 
 Receiver of Impost.- -A-^sislaut Supervisor.— I tarl)our Master. 
 Tlie Piiuci()al Officer and tlie Comptroller of 
 Her Majesty's Customs. 
 Deputy Judtfo Ailvoeate.— Harrack Master. 
 Ordnance Stmekeejier. 
 Fort Major.— (iovcnuiu-nt Secretary. 
 Olticers of the live Itcf^jments of Guernsey Militia. 
 Officers of the 4Stli Depot. 
 Officers of the Royal Artillery.— Colonel Moody, R. E. 
 Clerk of the Town Parish. — Clerk of St Martin's Parish, 
 Kev. W. l.e Mottle. Rev. Heiuy lienwell. 
 
 Rev. E Cuille. Rev, George Guille. 
 
 Rev. v. Jeremie. Rev. Peter Carey. 
 
 Rev. Daniel Dolirt^e. Rev. W. L. Davies. 
 
 Rev. William liuillo. Rev. W. J. Chepmell. 
 
 Rev. Thomas Urock. The Very Rev. the Dean. 
 
 * " Mr, Brock was no doubt ambitious, hut hisam!)\tion was ^ratitied in 
 beholding tlie auvancemont of his country. Personal advantage— indi- 
 vidual distinction — were things that never occurred to his imagination, 
 or occured only to be contemned. He might have had an augmentation 
 of salary — he might have received the honour of knighthood —he niight 
 have had the sources ot fortune opened to him — but these would have 
 l)rought no aihantages to Guernsey, and he rejected them." — Guernsfi} 
 Star, Heptcmbei- U6, 1842. 
 
DAMEL DE I.ISLF. BROCK, ESQ. 
 
 4Ci9 
 
 suiting' from his 
 triolistn.* The 
 , were proud in 
 io promptly and 
 wishes, and tliey 
 
 their departed 
 lelings in which 
 rief. 
 
 r the ceremony, 
 jstly clotlied in 
 into town ; and 
 coHected in the 
 ence tlie proces- 
 )poin ted, (twelve 
 
 1 invited to take 
 numher of per- 
 
 lie last mark of 
 nd having been 
 ecial constables, 
 e, the mournful 
 is, issued into the 
 3sion : 
 
 :y Sergeant, 
 r. 
 
 rhonr Master, 
 or of 
 
 3ter. 
 
 r. 
 Militia. 
 
 iidy, R. E. 
 ill's Parish. 
 
 CJuille. 
 ircy. 
 avies, 
 lepmel). 
 r, the Dean. 
 
 ion -was i^ratified in 
 1 advantage— indi- 
 to his imagination, 
 id an augmentation 
 rhthood — lie niight 
 t these would have 
 them. ' ' — Guirmetj 
 
 Frederick Manscll, Jurat. 
 
 John Hubert, Jurat. 
 
 James Carey, Jurr 
 
 Hilarj- O. Carrd, Jurat. 
 
 John Le I'cssurier, Jurat 
 
 John Guille, Jurat. 
 
 Rov. R. Potenger. ■. ,.„„,.,„.., / F. ]i. Tupner. 
 .John Carey, J mi. / Mourners, | Hcnrv Topper. 
 
 Lieut. -General Sir James DoiiHas.— His Kxccllencv >.\ajni-(;eneral 
 \V. F. P. Iwapier, l.ieut. -Governor.— Lioul.-CJyneriu Rnss, 
 Peter B. DobvLkv -, ; r \V. (iosstiiii. 
 
 Thomas I.o KctiUey. ] ••"■'^'^^- { H. I)..lm'e, jun. 
 The Queen's Procureur.-The Queen's ComptroIkr.— UtT Majesty's 
 Receiver. (ieneral.—(iivflii'r.--i<lieriff 
 Die .'Xdvocates of thl Hoval Court. 
 The late Jiailiff's Medical Attendanls. 
 The Donzeniers of each parish, lu'aded by their respective 
 Constables, foiu- abreast. 
 Relatives, with Hat Bands, four abrea.st. 
 The Order ot inuhabites in full prc}Cf;ssion. 
 A Deputation of tiie Total \bstinciue Society, 
 headed by Mr. Edmund Richards. 
 
 "T!ie procession proceeded in solemn order down the 
 Grange Road, until it reached the College, Avhen it turned 
 to the left, and passed on to the eastern entrance of the new 
 burying ground, and from thence proceeded to the grave, 
 near the opposite extremity of the cemetery, which was 
 destined to be the final resting place of the aged patriot. 
 The persons who composed the cortigc having been formed 
 in order round the grave, the sul)lime and solemn ritual of 
 the Church of England was read in a feeling and impressive 
 manner by the Very Reverend the Dean, the coffin being at 
 the proper period of the service committed to the boS'Om of 
 the earth in profound and solemn silence. When the service 
 was concluded, a great many persons a'piiroached the border 
 of tlie grave to take a farewell look at the narrow tenement 
 which now contained the remains of a man who, but a few 
 short hours back, had occupied so prominent a position in 
 his native land. Many a sigh was breathed, many a tear 
 was shed upon that grave ; and many and various Mere the 
 expressions of afliectiou and regret which there found ut- 
 terance, and which seemed to say 
 
 ' We ne'er shall look upon his like again.' 
 
 " On no similar occasion had there ever been collected so 
 large a concourse of persons in this island. Some pains 
 were taken to ascertain the number of those who entered the 
 
. i'r^'.-.T>.i. j---:.^''' . 
 
 470 
 
 APPENDIX n. 
 
 t il 
 
 
 
 I i: 
 
 ^l l 
 
 ('* ;: 
 
 if I ^ j;! 
 
 4 . 1 
 
 burial ground, and it is believed that they considerably 
 exceeded 4,000. An equal, or perhaps a larger number, 
 were dispersed, as spectators, in tlie Grange Road and ad- 
 jacent parts. Every house that comnmnded a glimpse of the 
 procession, or the interment, was crowded. The windows, 
 even to the attics, wer ^ peopled; whilst walls, gardens, and 
 every spot from which any thing could be seen, were in like 
 manner occupied. Notwithstanding the extraordinary num- 
 ber of persons collected, a very creditable degree of order and 
 decorum was maintained throughout the whole of the pro- 
 ceedings." * 
 
 The union jack Mas hoisted half mast at Fort George and 
 Castle Cornet from the day succeeding the bailiff's death to 
 that of his funeral, on which days also the bells of the parish 
 church of St. Peter-Port were tolled, and the flags of the 
 vessels in the two harbours and roadstead were hoisted half 
 mast. On the day of the interment, the shops in St. Peter- 
 Port were entirely closed until the mournful ceremony was 
 completed. 
 
 The lieutenant-governor of the island, Major-General Na- 
 pier, the celebrated historian of the Peninsular war, evinced, 
 in a manner as creditable to his feelings as it was gratifying 
 to those of the family, an anxious desire to pay every respect 
 to the memory of the deceased, his excellency, with the offi- 
 cers of his staff, and Lieut.-General Ross, and Lieut. -General 
 Sir James Douglas, ex-lieutenant-governors, attending the 
 funeral in full uniform, as did all the officers of the five 
 regiments of militia. All the civil and military authorities, 
 as well as the whole of the clergy of the island, were present. 
 
 ^ff; 
 
 The following remarks are extracted from a long and most 
 ably written article of nearly two columns, in the Guernsey 
 Star of Monday, September 2G, 1842, in which the last mo- 
 ments and character of Mr. Brock were feelingly portrayed 
 by the editor, an English gentleman : 
 
 "Mr. Brock's career, his talents, his services, and his amiable qualities, 
 Eire so familiar to every native and inhabitant of Guernsc}' — they have, 
 ns it were, become so much the common property of the community— 
 they have been so much the objects of their study — so constantly the 
 theme of their praise and admiration — that it may seem almost a work 
 of supererogation in us to make any observation on them on the present 
 melancholy occasion. We cannot, however, allow the grave to close 
 upon him without strewing it with some of those offerings ot respect and 
 praise which spontaneously spring to our hand as we pen the notice of 
 his death. We feel that we enjoy considerable latitude on this occasion, 
 because, from having been for years the political antagonists of Mr. 
 
 * The extracts in inverted commas are from the Guernsey Star of 
 Thursday, 29th September, 1842. 
 
y considerably 
 arger number, 
 
 Road and ad- 
 i <;linipse of the 
 
 The windows, 
 , gardens, and 
 11, wer« in like 
 lordinary num- 
 ee of order and 
 )le of the pro- 
 
 ort George and 
 liliff's death to 
 Is of the parish 
 he flags of the 
 re hoisted half 
 IS in St. Peter- 
 ceremony was 
 
 Dr-General Na- 
 r war, evinced, 
 , was gratifying 
 y every respect 
 , with the offi- 
 Lieut. -General 
 attending the 
 ers of the five 
 iry authorities, 
 , were present. 
 
 long and most 
 
 the Guernsey 
 
 h the last mo- 
 
 ugly portrayed 
 
 amiable qualities, 
 nsey— they have, 
 the community — 
 so constantly the 
 m almost a work 
 3m on the present 
 le grrave to close 
 igs ol Inspect and 
 pen tlic notice of 
 on this occasion, 
 itagonists of Mr. 
 
 'juernsey Star of 
 
 TIAXIEL DE MSr.K imO( K, ESQ. 
 
 471 
 
 Brock, and having braved his hostility when living, our tribute to his 
 
 emory cannot be looked on u> other than the genuine offspring of our 
 nig and our jutlgement. 
 
 ' Mr. Brock was not an ordinary man. He was constituted of mate- 
 ,a]s which rt'oulrt have led tlieir owner to distinction in whatever sphere 
 he might have been placed. Indebted hi.t little to early education, he 
 possessed within himself a faculty of extracting knnwledjre from every 
 thing that came within his observation; and, gifted with a powerful 
 memory, a reliecting mind, and the art of methodizing and arranging the 
 ideas and information which he ac(|uired, he was enabled at all times to 
 bring a mass of well digested and pertinent knowledge to bear upon and 
 illustrate any subject which he was required to discuss He had a sin- 
 gular talent for comprehending )irin(.iples and for seizing information, 
 anil arranging and applying it ; so that there were few sub.iects upon 
 which he entered, on wtiich he "ould not lay down sound principles, 
 and illustrate and maintain them by sound arguments. Too confident 
 of his strength, and perhaps over-elated with his many victories, he 
 would scjmetjmes venture on ui\tenable ground, and expose himself to 
 the inroads of an able enemy ; but tiiese indiscretions were of rare oc- 
 currence, and the memory of his temporary checks was generally can- 
 celled by the skilfuluess of his retreats. 
 
 If Mr. Brock was thus distinguished fox his mental powers, he was no 
 less so b\- the strength and u licity of his .style of writing. He had the 
 rare talent of putting propei words in their proper places, He wrote 
 English with English plaiiiTiess and English force. There was nothing 
 aflfectcd or modish in his manner. He gave bis readers an iujpression 
 that he wEis clear in the conception of liis own meaning, ana he made it 
 equally so to them. He aimed at no ornament : the beauty of his writ- 
 ings consisted in their per^p;cuity and strength. A verbal critic might 
 discover inaccuracies in his compositions, liut the man of sense would 
 find in them nothing umneaning— nothing useless — nothing vapid He 
 was not a turner of tine periods — he was not a Jine writer— bnt he wrote 
 with strengtli, precision, and kicidily ;, and his compositions, even where 
 they failed to produce conviction, could never be read without creating 
 respect for the masculine talents of their a\ithor 
 
 "But the main ground on which the memory of Daniel l)e Lisle Brock 
 must rest its claims on the affection, the nispect, and the gratitude of his 
 fellow-countrymen, is the devoted— the engrossing love which, during 
 his whole life, he bore to his native land. Every thought, every wish, 
 every feeling of pride or ambition, centeree in his beloved Guernsey. 
 She was the idol of his affections — the object of all his solicitude — the 
 glory of his inmost heart. His endeavours for her welfare may occa- 
 sionally have been misdirected— -his objections to change in her institu- 
 tions may have been ill-founded — but his motives have ever been beyond 
 the reach of suspicion or reproach. They were concentrated in the desire 
 for her good. Her people, her soil, her laws, her customs, nay, even licr 
 prejudices, were dear to him — they were his household gods. He wor- 
 sliipped them, he lived for them, and he would have died for them 
 
 "The private character of Mr, Brock presents an embellishing and 
 graceful adjunct to his public qualities. Bold even to temerity in his 
 acts; firm even to obstinacy in his opinions; entertaining an exalted 
 estiniate of the ofiice that he filled, and of the interests that he embodied 
 or represented in his person, he was, at the same time, simple, courteiMjs, 
 and benevolent in his private manner, to a degree tluvt was as honorablo 
 to himself, as it was gratifying to those who came in contact with him. 
 Mr. Broc!: on the bench, and Mr. Brock in private, were distinct charac- 
 ters. In the former position, conscious, probably, of his talents and his 
 authority, he was firm, and sometimes, though rarely, in appearance 
 even imperious; in the latter, lesigning himself to the feelings of the 
 gentleman, ho was affable, kinii. and even diffident. In his privacy he 
 displayed all the attributes of a superior mind. He was entirely devoid 
 of pride and osteutatiou : his mind was superior to the weakness they 
 
>* i^*»^-itti»ji*ui»tto*4P*i',iit^*ifc-j«.i -.vac^i.-ui 
 
 t'Uf^iiJa^'Li.*. :. 
 
 M 
 
 472 
 
 APPENDIX C, 
 
 ir 
 
 ilenotp. He disdained the conventional habits of society, for nature hart 
 created him <<. (yentloman, and he needrd not the aid of art. He mingled 
 not in tliat society wlicxc \ui niiglit iiave received ttie homage to which 
 his talents were entitled. He sjient his time in study, or workini;: fcr the 
 public welfare ; his relaxations heinjir in his fields and garden, or in the 
 conversation of casual visitors who, uninvited, occasionally resorted to 
 his unceremonious and hospitable roof. Ardent as he was in iiolitical 
 discussions, prone as he was to enter into controversy, the feelinifs of 
 animosity which he expressed died in their utterance. The adversary of 
 to-day was the welcome guest of the morrow. The hand whicli had 
 ilistilled the ^all of disiiutation at one moment, was readily extended in 
 kind fellowship the next. Mr. Brock was probably not exempt fiom 
 failings, but he had certainly nothing of littleness about him. He res- 
 pected an h;)n.)rable and open adversary, more than a flattering and 
 servile friend. His hostility was strong, but it was shortlived; his 
 enmity was vigorous, but it had no memory. In other respects, too, he 
 evinced a generous and benevolent he.irt. At all seasons and nnder all 
 circumstances, liis time and attention were willingly devoted to those 
 who sought his assistance or advice, tie was the friend and counsellor 
 of all. Many is the angry feeling he has all yed — many the lawsuit he 
 has prevented — many the family division he 1 as closed. H is kind offices 
 were at the command of all. No labour was too great for him, when 
 called on for his assistance ; but if at any time he foimd liimself obliged 
 to reject a claim which was made on him, he so softened his refusal with 
 courtesy and kindness, that the disappointed seldom left him without 
 experiencing a sense of obligation. 
 
 " Possessing these characteristics, Vhieh are hastily sketched by the 
 pen of a political opponent, Mr. Hrock. it must be admitted, was a dis- 
 tinguished man. His sphere of action was limited, but within that sphere 
 lie acted an honorable, a useful, and a noble part. Had he been cast 
 upon a wider stage, thert; can be little lioulit that his talents arul his 
 resolution would have acquired for him a more extensive reputation : 
 but, even as it is, his fate is enviable. He sought the welfare of his 
 country, and desired its respect and gratitude as his reward, lloth 
 objects have been attained ; and he now ^tleeps, at the close of a long 
 and honorable life, regarded by all his countrymen as the most able, the 
 most useful, the most disinterested, and the most patriotic of the rulers 
 to which its destinies ha\e ever b('en committed. No rr.an has been 
 more beloved and respected in his life, and none more regretted at his 
 death. Feace to kismun^s !" ' 
 
 APPEITDIX C. 
 
 LIEUT. E. WILLIAM TUPPER, R. N. 
 
 This young officer was descended from John Tapper, Esq., 
 who was the common ancestor of the Guernsey family of his 
 name, having married and settled in the island about the 
 year 1592. He was an English gentleman, of German ex- 
 traction, his forefather, it appears, hJiving, about the year 
 1525, fled from Cassel daring the religious persecution in (he 
 
LIKUT. K. AVII.I.IAM TlPPnil, U.N. 
 
 473 
 
 ioty, for nature harl 
 :if art. He minified 
 lioniaffu to which 
 . or workiiiic fir the 
 (I gar(lt:n, nr in the 
 sionally resorted to 
 he was in imlitical 
 rsy, the feelings of 
 . The ariveisary of 
 le hand whicli had 
 readily extended in 
 y not exempt fiom 
 )out him. He res- 
 in a rtatterini? and 
 ras shortlived •. his 
 ler respects, too, he 
 iisons and nndfr all 
 ly devoted to those 
 iend and eonnsellor 
 iiany the lawsuit he 
 L'd. His kind offices 
 reat for him, when 
 und liinisclf obliged 
 lied his refusal with 
 m left him without 
 
 ily sketched hy the 
 •dmittcd, was a dis- 
 it within that sphere 
 Had lie been cast 
 his talents anrl his 
 tensive reputation : 
 
 the welfare of his 
 his reward. Uoth 
 the close of a long 
 s the most able, the 
 itriotic of the i-iilers 
 
 No rr/an has been 
 jre regretted at his 
 
 R. N. 
 
 n Tiipper, Esq., 
 iey family of his 
 sland about the 
 of German ex- 
 aboiit tlie year 
 rseciition in the 
 
 reijrn of Charles <iie Tifth. Tlse older son of this John 
 Tiippor married Eli/.ubctli, dauj-^liter of liihiry (losselin,* 
 procureur du roi, or attorney-generai — the younger removed 
 to England . 
 
 In the. uieuiorable year of l(i9-i, John Tiipper, Esq., (tho 
 grandson ol the said Jolm Tupper and Elizabeth Gosselin,) 
 at some ex])eni50 and risk of <aptiiro, conveyed to Admiral 
 Russell, who commanded the combined Eni.fli-*h and Dtifch 
 fleets lying at St. Helen's, the intelliL,'ence that the Erench 
 fleet, under Admiral TourviDe, was hi the channel. This 
 intelligence, led to the battle of J.a Hogue : and as a reward 
 for this patriotic service, !Mr. Tupi)er was presented by his 
 sovereigns, William and Mary, with a massive gold chain 
 and medal, which are now in posso-^ion of his heir male; 
 his descendants being peri'iitted to b. ir them aa an honorable 
 augmentation to their arms and cresit 
 
 The elder son of John Tup])er, who acquired the medal, by 
 his wife, Elizabetli Dobrce, of J3eauregard, had three sons, of 
 whoui the eldest died without issue, the second was Elisha, 
 a iniich-respeeled jurat ol the Uoyal Court, who died in 
 180'i, leaving five surviving children ; i and the youngest was 
 John, who obtained, in 1747, a '.'omtnission, by pun.hase, in 
 General Churchill's regiment of marines, that corps being 
 then ditferently constituted to what it is now. He served as 
 a captain at the celebrated defeat of the French fleet in 
 Qniberon bay, by Sir l".dwavd llawke, in 17ol); as a major 
 and commandant of a lialtation at Bunker's HiH, in 177.j,t^ 
 where he was slightly wounded, and where the marines, having 
 greatly distinguished hemselve^., won the laurel which now 
 encircles their devict; ; and as a lieutenant-colonel in Rod- 
 ney's victory of the I'ith of April, 17H-2, having been espe- 
 cially sent from Englan(' to connnund the marines in tlie 
 fleet, about 4,(UK) men, in the event of their being landed on 
 any of trie enemy's VVest India islands. At his decease, in 
 January, 170"), he was a major-general in t!ie army, and 
 commandant-in-chief of the marines. Had the honors of 
 the Bath been extended in those days to three degrees of 
 
 * Eldest son f)f N, Gosscliti, Esq., jurat, one of the clerks of the coun- 
 cil to Queen Elizabeth, by his wife, a daughter of Lewis Lempriere, Ksq., 
 bailiff of Jersey —and grandson of Ililaiy Gossclin, bailiff of (iuernsey 
 in four reigns. Henry the Kighth to lilizabeth. 
 
 t Duncan's History of Guernsey, page 124. 
 
 t Viz. two sons — Daniel, married t'athcrino, daughter of John Tupper, 
 Esq., jurat . and John, marricLl Elizabeth, daught* r of John Brock, Esq. 
 —and three daughters, Emilia, wife of Sir. P. De llavilland, bailiff; Eli- 
 zabeth, wife of W.LeMarchant, Esq.; and Margaret, wife of 1. t^arey, Esq. 
 
 § Major Tupper succeeded to the command of the marines, of whom 
 there were two battalions at ]3unker's Hill, after the fall of the gallant 
 Major ritcairn, and was honorably mentioned in the general orders of 
 the day. 
 
n 
 
 474 
 
 APPENDIX C, 
 
 t ; 
 
 
 • '.' i - 
 
 
 f 
 
 knighthood as they have been sinoo, he wouUl doubtless 
 Imve been a kniixht commander of tliat order. 
 
 The lataUty wJiich has attended tl»e sons and jrrandsons of 
 the two brothers just named, will appear in the following 
 brief summary : 
 
 1. — Lieutenant Carn; Tapper, of his majesty's ship Victory, 
 only son of Major-Gencral Tujiuer, slain at the siege of 
 Bastia, 'ilth April, 1794. He was made a lieutenant in 1782, 
 at seventeen, and after distinguishing himself at Toulon, in 
 170n, was killed in the Victory's pinnace, while endeavouring 
 to land at night in a volunteer, and most desperate attempt 
 to obtain information of the state of tlie garrison. His lifeless 
 corpse was carried on board Iiis ship, and afterwards buried 
 under the walls of Uastia.* 
 
 2. — William De Vic Tnppcr, (son of E. Tapper, Esq,) mor- 
 tally wounded in 1798, in a duel in (Guernsey, with an officer 
 of the 27th regiment, and died the day following. Five of his 
 nephews also perished prematurely, viz. 
 
 3. — John E.Tupper, aged twenty, perished at sea, in 1812, in 
 the Mediterranean, the vessel in which he was a passenger, 
 from Catalonia to Gibraltar, having never been heard of since. 
 
 4. — Charles James Tupper,t aged sixteen, captain's mid- 
 shipman of his majesty's IS-gun ^rig Primrose, drowned on 
 the 17th August, 1815, at Spithead, by the upsetting of the 
 boat in which he was accompanying his commander, Captain 
 Vhillolt, to the ship. 
 
 5. — Lieutenant E. William Tapper, of Ids majesty's ship 
 Sybille, aged twenty-eight, mortally wounded in her beats, 
 June 18, 1820, in action with a strong band of Greek piraces, 
 near the island of Candia. 
 
 0. — Colonel William De Vic Tapper, Chilian service, aged 
 twenty-nine, slain in action near Talca, in Chile, April 17,, 
 1830. The four last were sons of John E. Tapper, Esq. 
 
 7. — Colonel William Le Mesurier Tupper, of the IJritish 
 Auxiliary Legion in Spain, and a captain in the 2M, or 
 Royal Welsh Fusiliers, mortally wounded near San Sebastian, 
 May 5, 1836, and died the 13th, aged thirty-two. t 
 
 * See (Jnited Service Journal for 18-10, pages 1/4, 341, and TUmcan^s 
 History of Guernsey, page SOS. 
 
 t The Primrose, while this j'oung officer was serving in her, was 
 actively employed during the war, and in one engagement had fifteen 
 officers and men killed and wounded. In 1815, he accompanied Captain 
 PhJUott, in the boat expedition up the river St. Mary, in the United 
 States, in which that officer was wounded. 
 
 t " Colonel Tupper was a man of the most daring courage, and an 
 excellent officer. Though his loss is deeply regretted, yet his death may 
 be said to have been expected, as almost every one who saw him, and 
 amongst thos^e the Spanish officers .it Vittoria, prophesied that he would 
 fall in the first serious aflfair in which he should be engaged." — Times. 
 London, May 23, 1836. — See Duncan' f History, page 623, and United 
 Service Journal, July, 1836, page 431. 
 
would doubtless 
 
 ,nd gmndsons of 
 n tbo following 
 
 y's ship Victory, 
 at the siet?e of 
 iitenarit in 1782, 
 jlf at Toulon, in 
 le endeavourinf^ 
 spcrate attempt 
 ion. His lifeless 
 "terwards buried 
 
 iper, Esq,) mor- 
 , with an officer 
 ing. Five of his 
 
 It sea, in 1812,)n 
 was a passenger, 
 n heard of since. 
 , captain's mid- 
 )se, drowned on 
 upsetting of the 
 aander, Captain 
 
 I majesty's ship 
 id in her beats, 
 f Greek piruces, 
 
 m service, aged 
 Chile, April 17,, 
 pper, Esq. 
 , of the British 
 in the 23d, or 
 r San Sebastian, 
 
 VfO.t 
 
 34], and Duncan's 
 
 rving in her, was 
 fement had fifteen 
 ■omi)anied Captain 
 jy, in the United 
 
 ; couragrc, and an 
 yet his death may 
 k'ho saw him, and 
 ^ied that he would 
 ngaged." — Tunes. 
 ;e 623, and Umted 
 
 LIEUT. E. MILLIAM TVITEll, U. N. 
 
 47o 
 
 E. William, third son of Jolm F.. Tiipper, Esq , by Eliza- 
 zabeth Brock, hit wife, was educated at Horrow, and eoui- 
 menced his naval career in 1810, in the Viei(»ry, of 110 guns, 
 under the care and patronage of the late I,or<i de Sauu»arez, 
 with wiioin he continued some tinu; in liie Baltic. He served 
 on the American i-oast during the hitler part of the war, in 
 the Asia, 74, and was [ireser.t at ll:o disastrous attack of New 
 Orleans, in January, 18l">, forming one ot a party landed 
 from the Heet, tu co-operate with the army. On the night 
 of the storm, this i)arly, in conjunction vviili tlie 80111 light 
 infantry, under Colonel I'hornlon,* attacked some fortified 
 works on the right bank of the Missi«sipi, and were complete- 
 ly successful ; btit the failure of the iriDiu a.-fsault rendered this 
 success unavailing. In the same year he, joined the Hag ship 
 of Sir Thomas Fremantle, who, having iK'-n a t'riend of his 
 late uncle. Sir Isaac Druck, kindly assured him of his influ- 
 ence and support; but pciice taking place before he had 
 attained the requisite age for promotion, all tlx' bright pros- 
 pects with which he entered the s-(!rviee were !>!ight;ed. fn 
 November, 1S17, on his return in the Active frigate, Captain 
 Philip Carteret, from the Januiica station, he passed at the 
 naval college at Portsmouth, and was one of four midship- 
 men complimented as having undtjrgune a superior .-xamina- 
 tion. In Ih23, lie was appointed to the Revenge, J^ir Harry 
 Neale's flag ship, in the .Mediterriiiu'an. and placeo' on the 
 admiralty list for advanceiuent. Early in ]h2(), he was at 
 length promoted into the Sernigapoiam frigate ; but Sir Joiin 
 Pechell, under whom he had previously served for a short 
 time, prevailed upon the aduural to transfer him tr his own 
 ship, the SybiUe, i>f 48 guns, '-'a crack frigate," in a high 
 state of discipline, the crew of which was renuirkable for its 
 skill in gunnery. 
 
 The Sybille was at Alexandria, when intelligence arrived 
 there of the plunder of a Maltese vessel, under atrocious 
 circumstances, by a nest oi! Greek pirates, on the southern 
 coast of Candia. Sir John Pechell set sail immediately in 
 quest of these lawless and desperate men. On Sunday, the 
 18th of June, 182(1, at daylight, tw.) mislicoes were observed 
 under sail, near Cai)e Matala, standing towards the frigate; 
 but on discovering their mistake, they made for the land, 
 and were followed by the Sybille, into the narrow creek 
 formed by a rocky islet and the nuiinland of Candia. On 
 this islet were posted from 200 to 300 armed Greeks, chiefly 
 the crews of three or four piratical nnsticoes at anchor in the 
 creek ; and in a desperate attempt to cut out these misticoes, 
 with the boats, Midshipman J. M. Knox and twelve men 
 were killed; and the first lieutenant, CJordon, dangerously; 
 
 * The same officer whose letters have been given in this volume. 
 
476 
 
 APPKNDIA ( 
 
 I ! 
 
 
 
 
 i ■ 
 
 I- I 
 
 
 M: 
 
 Lieutennnt Tapper, mortally ; Midsliipmcn AVilliam EcJmon- 
 stoue and Robert Lets, both very sevorciy ; and twenty-seven 
 Jiien wore wounded, of wli07n tivo died in a few days. Two 
 of tlje misticoes were afterwards sunk, and many of the 
 pirates were killed and wounded by flie frigate's {;uns.* 
 
 Lieutenant Tapper commanded the launch, and althouf^h 
 severely wounded in tliree |)laces, he stood up the whole time, 
 and retained the command of her until he returned to the 
 ship. Th bullet, which proved fatal, entered his x'v^l 
 breast, an'i was extracted from under the jkin over the false 
 ribs. Havino,' gone into action with his coat and epaulette, 
 he was doubtless particularly aimed at, as the four midship- 
 inen, Ti. M. E. Allen, the Hon. l-'rederick J'elliam, Robert 
 ^?poncer Robinson, and tlie Hon. Edward IMuukelt (now till 
 captains) who were in the launch, escaped unhurt, lie lin- 
 gered until the 'JGth .lune, when lie breathed his last, in a 
 state of delirium, on board the Sybille, at Malta, where his 
 remains were interred, and a monument was erected to his 
 memory by his captain and messmates. In person he was 
 rather above the middle height, with a pleasing and intelli- 
 gent countenance; and when his brother Charles and he were 
 midshipmen together in the Victory, in the Baltic, they were 
 designated on board as the handsome brothers, t 
 
 The surgeon of the Sybille, in a letter to the family in 
 
 Guernsey, wrote of Lieutenant Tupper : 
 
 " When T first saw him, he was firm and cool. Ho asked me to give my 
 opinion without reserve, ami knowing- him to be posses.^ed of f,''rt'at t'orti- 
 tiide, I told him that the wound \\\ the chest was of a most ilun^rrous 
 nature, ))iit not ner^^siirilii fatal. He had by this time lost a great deal of 
 blood, hut the internal hein';rrl>ai;:e, th"utrh the most alarming, was slight. 
 He renmined so low for Miree days, that it was cxpectv.l he would have 
 sunk, though lu^ still eotitinned eollected and tirm. On t!>e fourth day he 
 rallied, his pulne became more distinct, ami he evidently encoura^'ed 
 hopes. Need 1 say that I felt myself incapable of destroying them — 
 indeed 1 was not altogether without hope myself The principal danger 
 was from hemorrhage upoii the separation of the sloughs, and niy fears 
 were fatally verified, for mi the 'i.ith, at noon, it conunencedand increased 
 internally, until his lungs could no longer perform their functions, and 
 he died at about three o'clock on the morning of the afith. During the 
 whole time he was resigned, evincing the greatest strength of mind .... 
 As it was with unfeigned yorrow that I saw a fine and gallant young 
 man fall a victim to fiueh a cause, so it was with admiration that \ 
 witnesseil his heroic hearing when the excitement was past, and hope 
 itself was almost fled. I have seen many support their firmness amidst 
 danger and death, but it belongs to few to sut^taiu it during protracted 
 suffering, which is indeed a trial often too severe for the bravest, but 
 through which >our lamented brother came with a spirit and resignation 
 which reflected lustre upon himself and family, and endeared him to all 
 his shipmates." 
 
 *See " United Service Journal," March, 1841, pp. .332 3. 
 
 t By a singular coincidence, the two brotlicrs commenced their career 
 in the same ship, the Victory, to which their rieai relative, Lieutenant 
 Carr6 Tupper, belonged when he was killed in the Mediterranean, in one 
 of her boats, and all three lost their lives in boats ! 
 
COLONKL \VlLLi.\M DC VIC TLrPlKK. 
 
 477 
 
 WilliiUTi Rdmori- 
 arid tvvenfy-seven 
 a few duys. Two 
 iiid rnaviy of the 
 ntf's {ifuiis.* 
 ich, and although 
 ip the whole lime, 
 V returned to tho 
 entered his rijrht 
 ?kin over the false 
 >at. and epaiHetle, 
 the four midihip- 
 . I'elhain, Robert 
 IMiinkelt (now all 
 unhurt. He lin- 
 ;)ied liis last, in a 
 , Malta, where his 
 vas erected lo hia 
 In person he was 
 ?nsing and intelli- 
 harle'? and h(! were 
 Daltie, they were 
 lors. t 
 to the family in 
 
 ! asked me to give my 
 ises.->fti of f,'rfat forti- 
 c)f u most ilan^fvowi 
 no lost a greiit deal of 
 alaiminf?, was sliglit. 
 ■ctvil he would iiave 
 On t!>e lourlli day ho 
 vidently encourap'ed 
 
 dchtrojiug them — 
 The pviiicipa! danger 
 longlis, and my fears 
 iicncedaiid increased 
 their funetions, and 
 le 2fith. During the 
 
 ength of mind .... 
 
 and gallant young 
 admiration that I 
 
 was past, and hope 
 lu'ir firmness amidst 
 
 it during protracted 
 
 for the Inavcst, hut 
 pirit and resignation 
 
 endeared him to all 
 
 iiuenced their career 
 relative, Lieutenant 
 editerrauean, in one 
 
 APPENDIX D. 
 
 COLONEL WILLIAM DE VIC TUPPER, 
 
 My beautiful, my lirSTc! 
 
 Ah 1 who lan tell how inRiiv « »<inl sulilime 
 Has flit Ilir Intliienii' i>f iiiaii^'ii;tiit stai, 
 And wa){t'(l witli Fortunv an unciinaL «ar' 
 
 This highly gifted yoimg man was a brother of the subject 
 of the preceding memoir, their fatiicr having had ten sons 
 and three daughters. He was born in Guernsey, on the 'iBth 
 of April, 1800, and derived his Christian namen from a pater- 
 nal uncle who fell in that island in a duel with an oHicer of 
 the 27th regiment. Having received an excellent eductition 
 in England, partly under u private tutor at J^osthill, in War- 
 wickshire, he was sent, on the restoration of the liourbons, in 
 1814, to a college in Paris, in which he continued nniii the 
 arrival of Napoleon from Elba, when he was gratitierl by a 
 glimpse of that extraordinary man. When lie landed in 
 France, although he had barely completed his fourteenth 
 year, his stature was so tall and athletic as to give him the 
 appearance of a young giant ; and on being asked his age at 
 the police office, that it might be inserted iii his pa- port, his 
 repl; was received with a smile of astonisliment and incredu- 
 lity, which afforded much subsequent amusement to his elder 
 fellow-travellers. At the age of sixteen, his str.;ngth and 
 activity were so great tlnit few men could hav3 stood up 
 against him with any chance of success. On his return to 
 Guernsey, every interest the family possessed was anxiously 
 exerted to indulge his wish of entering the British army, but 
 owing to the great reductions made after the peace of lSir>, 
 he was unable to obtain a commission, even by purchase. 
 Those relatives who could best have forwarded his views, had 
 been slain in the y)ublic service ; and in that day, few claims 
 were admitted, unless supported by strong parliamentary 
 influence. In January, 1816, he attended the levee of the 
 commander-in-chief, in deep mourning for his next elder 
 brother, Charles, a midshipman, who had been drowned in 
 
478 
 
 APPENDIX D. 
 
 •| 
 
 ■( 
 
 H 
 
 .a ■ 
 
 the nnvy n few Tnontha before : liis roynl hiRhiK'ss promised 
 to take hiti ineuioriol into early coiiHifloriUion, mid it wan 
 lioped by tlie family lhi\t his tall and strikii i^ly lianddome 
 person woidtl have had some intiueiire; bur, mifortuiiately 
 the yoiitii, then under si.Me.Mi, waited nlone on the Ouke of 
 York, and had no one to pleiid his cause or to promote his 
 wishes, lie was accompanied as far as the Horse Cluards by 
 the late Lieut. -Colonel Eliot, (mentioned antiiy) who there, or 
 in the neighbourhood, introduced him to Sir Uou,er SheaH'e, 
 whom they met accidentally : but the general took little or 
 no notice of the nephew of one to whom he was under much 
 obligation, and whose fall hud been his rise! It is true that 
 Sir Roger Sheatfe was also about to solicit an ensigncy for 
 Ids own nephew, whose brother had a few months previously 
 (September, 18l.'>,) received one in the 4l)th regiment ; but 
 Bure we are, that had Sir Isaac Brock met the nephew of a 
 gallant predecessor under similar circutustances, he would 
 have presented him to the commander-in-chief, and urged 
 his claims with all the warmth of companionship and grati- 
 tude. And is it not mortifying to think, that two nephews 
 of Sir Roger Sheaffe obtained that without purchase, which 
 was withheld from the nephew of Sir Isa »c Brock, even Ay 
 purchase — and that nephew of as noble a spirit as ever 
 breathed? But wlnle we freely meni ion Sir Roger Sheatfe'a 
 coldness and i.idifTerence, we apj)reciate, highly appreciate, 
 his paternal solicitude for these two nephews, who Jiad 
 previously lost their father, a surveyor of the excise at 
 Mallow, in Ireland. Had, however, Sir Isaac Brock been ati 
 careful of his person as were one or two general officers 
 that we could name,* who served during the Mar in Canada, 
 he woidd, doubtless, have also obtained an ei ^igncy for his 
 nephew ; but he was dead, and the dead trouble not. This 
 treatment of his nephew, a perfect counterpart (>f him8elf,t 
 certainly reflects no credit on tlie military authorities of that 
 day, over whom the mantle of Pericles had, alas! not been 
 thrown, as the Athenians — like ths British, a naval people — 
 were moved by him, in a funeral oration, which remains to 
 this time a fitting testimonial of his eloquence and his grati- 
 tude, to set apart a stipend for the widows and orphans of 
 their countrymen, who had fallen in the first campaign of the 
 Peloponnesian war. And be it remembered that Sir Isaac 
 Brock left neither widow nor children, and that his only sur- 
 viving sister, who had a very numerous family of sons, had 
 
 * Or as Chief .lustice Robinsoti expressed it in more courtly l!ini?ua)?e 
 at "the gatheriiiK " on Qtieenstown Heights, in July, 1840: "la later 
 periods of the contest, it sometimes happened that the example of General 
 llroelc was not very closely followed." (See ante.) 
 
 + Sir Thomas Freniantle was struck with De Vic Tnpper's resemblance 
 to Sir Isaac Brock, when he saw him iu Guernsey, in 1615. 
 
hip;hii(.'S9 promised 
 iition, mill if. was 
 rikii t^ly iiiiiidsiome 
 bur, imforrunately 
 tic on the iJuke of 
 or to promote his 
 e Horse Guards by 
 ntd,) who tliere, or 
 Sir Hotipr Slieafl'e, 
 leral toolc little or 
 le was umler much 
 e ! It is true that 
 it an ensigncy for 
 moutlis previou!*Iy 
 Itli regiment ; i)iit 
 ■t tile nepliew of a 
 staiiees, he would 
 i-chief, and urired 
 lioiisliip and <^rati- 
 tiiat two nepliews 
 t purchase, which 
 ic IJrock, even hij 
 i a spirit as ever 
 sir Roj^er Slieati'e's 
 hif::hly appreciate, 
 ejjhews, wlio Jmd 
 of the excise at 
 jaac Brock been as 
 vo general officers 
 he war in Canada, 
 in ei jigncy for his 
 trouble not. This 
 .>rpart of himself,t 
 authorities of that 
 id, alas! not been 
 I, a naval people — 
 which remains to 
 ■nee and his grati- 
 ws and orphans of 
 St campaign of the 
 red that Sir Isaac 
 that his only sur- 
 imily of sons, had 
 
 lore courtly l!ini?ua?:e 
 Inly, 1840 : " la later 
 he example of Geneial 
 
 Tapper's resemblance 
 in 1&15. 
 
 1 
 
 COLONKL WIM.IAM HE MC TL'PI'I.K. 471) 
 
 derived no benefit whatever from Ids death. But y )ung 
 Tupper nnght then have uttered thisn reproach. 
 
 " Man wronsrs, and tinio avciifrcs. and my name 
 May form n moiminfnt not all obscure." 
 
 He remained in Gnernse\ for nearly two years In tlie vnin 
 hope of a conimissiou, and, itciti-j; thus cruelly disuppointed, 
 ho proceeded in Decenilier, 1817, in his cinhtcentli year, to 
 Catalonia, of which province a relative, P. (.'. Tupper, (men- 
 tiiuied aiiti',) was Brilisih consul. He travelletl through 
 Franco at a time when there wns a very hostile feeling 
 towards the Kugiish, as the army of O(!cupation was then iu 
 that country, and we learn from his fellow-traveller, who was 
 u few years older than himself, that they uut frciiiu'ntly at 
 tho tables d'hote with French c»fHcer!!, witli whom Tujiper hiid 
 warm discussions, as they were any thing but friendly or 
 civil, and boasted that they had beaten the Britiish army in 
 almost every engagement. " We beat you at Saliimmica und 
 Vittoria, at Toulouse und WaterUto," was the retort ; the 
 officers looked fierce and curled their mustaohoes, but they 
 probably liked not the gigantic I'ramc and resuliite bearing 
 of the young Englishman, as they abstained fr(uu pcr^sonal 
 insult. On one occasion, the officers omitted to ]);iss down 
 the viands to the two travellers, who were sitting below 
 them, — the waiter came in uith a roast duck, — "(jar(;oii, 
 apporte/.-moi co canard,"' said Tupper, autliorifatively, and 
 cutting it in two, he gave lialf to his companion, and kept the 
 other half for himself. The officers were evidently much 
 annoyed, but contented themselves with calling i.wice or 
 thrice for the duck ; and the elder companion tells us that he 
 was very glad to cross the frontier with his young frienti, sat'e. 
 and sound, into Spain, as he was in daily dread of a hostile 
 rencontre between the disputants. 
 
 In Catalonia young Tupper spent two or three years, and 
 at Barcelona, where ho was well known and an especial 
 favorite, he received the public thanks oi the municipality 
 for having boldly exposed his life to extinguish a conflagra- 
 tion which threatened to destroy a whole barrier of the city. 
 Here his vanity was constantly excited by exclamations, in 
 the streets, on the manly beauty of his person. There was at 
 Barcelona at this time a Spanish lieutenant-colonel of cavalry, 
 who had served in South America, and was in the habit of 
 bullying both the military aiuf Civilians. In going one even- 
 ing to his seat in the pit at the opera, young Tupper had to 
 pass this officer, who sat with his feet so extended as to reach 
 the opposite bench. Tupper begged of him to draw in his 
 feet — " pass over them ! " was the answer. Tupper asked him 
 a second time, and received the same reply, upon which he 
 kicked the officer's feet out of his way, and passed on. The 
 
 ! 
 
 "•aS?"/^..'!!s"'P'.r«?^^'i . 
 
4H() 
 
 COLONEL WILLIAM DF. VIC TI'PI'F.U. 
 
 ■Ill 
 
 i': 
 
 
 officer fol!owo(1, iind sjiid lip wisliod to («i»cak lo Mm niitftldc. 
 Tu|>p('r iiiinu'iliatoly ro^o, mid in H;'>iii^ out, hcokoried to un 
 ].lii^liHh (;t'ritlL'innii, who wns Aitlii!;; in tlie boxen, and from 
 wlioni we Imvc tlie parficninrs, to comu out nlso It \/M 
 quickly ni^rocd tlint they >.lioul(l find liu'rnst'Ivi'H ntftoorta'n 
 coilVt'-liousc tin; next niorniu'^ at i-itrlit f)'cloi;k, each wjtii u 
 friend, to choose; the weapons and fiv tin; place of nicetinj?, 
 youn^ Tupper teilinR the Spaniard that lie nnu;ht (dioose 
 either broarl or i^tnall swcrd, or tlie pislol, as, althou^li he 
 WU9 fi civilian, citlier weapon was indiftcront to liim. And he 
 was, in fuct, an excellent shot and an eqiuilly good swords- 
 man. The next morninj? the two I'^ntjiishuien went punc- 
 tually to the coffee houi»e, which was soon crowded with 
 military atid civilians, anxiouH to know the result of Ihe 
 meetintj, as the colonel wa:< much disrliked. Nine and ten 
 o'clock came, and no colonel, when Tupj)er asked the officL'rs 
 present whether they thought ho was in honor bound to 
 remain any lonjrer. They re|)lied that he was not, and 
 Tupper and his friend returned honie. The same <lay the 
 former met the coionel on the public walk with two ladies — 
 he went nj) and said that he wished to speak to him aloJ»e. 
 The colonel left the ladies, and having walked some little 
 distance, Tupper asked him why he hail not kept his appoint- 
 ment, upon which he made some frivolous excuse, when 
 Tupi)er horsewhipped him, and lastly applied his foot once to 
 the bully's seat of honor. Another Spanish officer, whom 
 the colonel had previously insulted with imj)imity, soon after 
 upbraided him with his cowardice on this occasion, and the 
 colonel was glad to leave Darcelona. We could give several 
 other anecdotes of similar daring in young Tupper, but these 
 must suffice ; and iji truth we must add, that, in his early 
 days liis disposition, like that of his uncle and namesake, 
 was somewhat too pugnacious, the disputes of both being 
 generally, however, with military men, who presumed as 
 such. He was now a junior partner in a British commercial 
 house in Catalonia, but with his adventurous spirit and boil- 
 ing courage he was unfitted for any pursuit excepting the 
 profession of arms. His father, who, although a younger son, 
 had inherited nearly £25,000 sterling, was at this period 
 labouring under heavy losses and the expenses of his large 
 family ; and young Tupper preferred seeking his fortune in 
 South Americu to continuing in business, or becoming a 
 burthen on his parent, and ho embarked in Guernsey in 
 October, 1821, for ilio de .Janeiro, whence he proceeded to 
 Buenos Ayres, and thence over-land to Chile, then struggling 
 for her independence of Spain. His family was averse to his 
 joining the patriot cause, as it wns then termed, and he 
 arrived at Santiago a mere soldier of fortune — without, we 
 believe, a single letter of introduction to those in authority. 
 
rrrvT.n. 
 
 ?ak to him otitsldo. 
 ut, l)ockimeil to iin 
 lio boxf'H, nml from 
 ; out also It \/n8 
 rnselvrrt nt n rertu'n 
 'clock, t'ncli with u 
 L' plnco ot' nu'ctiti}?, 
 t lie inii;ht choose 
 )1, as, nlthou^h he 
 lit to him. Ami lie 
 iiiilly good swortls- 
 shuien went puuc- 
 soon crowded with 
 f th<! resiult of the 
 rd. Nine and ten 
 LT nskcd the offic.Ts 
 in honor bound to 
 t he wns not, and 
 The Hamc dny the 
 k with two ladies — 
 speak to hiui alone, 
 walked soin») little 
 ot kept his appoii.it- 
 )louH excuse, when 
 lied liiH foot once to 
 iiiish officer, whom 
 ni])imity, soon after 
 J occasion, and the 
 c could give several 
 g- Tapper, but these 
 I, tliat in his early 
 icle and namesake, 
 utcs of both being 
 who presumed as 
 British commercial 
 rous spirit and boil- 
 rsviit excepting the 
 ugh a younger son, 
 was at this period 
 penses of his large 
 king his fortune in 
 ss, or becoming a 
 ed in Guernsey in 
 e he proceeded to 
 nle, then struggling 
 ly was averse to his 
 }n termed, and he 
 tune — without, we 
 those in authority. 
 
 COI.ONKL Wir.MVM OF VH' Tt'lMM U. 
 
 481 
 
 Rut his appearance and rnninurs. and a perfect knowl»M|;/o of 
 tlirer- luiii st^es, i:nnli!*h, J r<-ncli, ami ^<pald■»ll, ;ill of which 
 hu spoke Huenlly, si.ou pnxrured him fricmU and aclivo 
 ndlilary emploj tuent. The haiiah, in ik li'«s deuiec, was aNo 
 another of his accpiin rncut"*. and he wa- a fair chnsica! 
 scholar. II. rose rapidlv . ami his iloviU have been compared 
 to those of the ren(»«iied Sir \\ illiani Wullncc, 
 
 In this ifcessnrdy tttii f meuiuir, it i-,. however, quilc impos- 
 sible to depict the career u( voiiiig Tapper in the land of his 
 unhappy adoption , and we have only space tor a few details 
 of his services. Hoon after his arrival in t'hilc, the narriiton 
 of V aldivia liavinp: revolted, (Dlunel hrau'l..'!', wIk. liaiUervi-d 
 ill Kurope, oiid who led with Major Miller tlie troops in dio 
 successful attack of that forlres* by Lord Cochrune, was sent 
 from the ca[iilal to fnidcavour to briii^ the nmtinecrs fo 
 submission, aiil he requested that yoiin.; TupjK r might 
 neconipany him. They landefl tliere alone, and, wilh great 
 personal risk, i-ucceedfd in S' eiiring the rinuicaders, who had 
 ordered their me i to lire on ihenr as tlwy approached in u 
 boat ; but. Colonel lleauchcf having prcvioii«ly comni.uided 
 them and obtnined their reu;aid, the men luvtumttflv refused 
 to proceed to extremities with their old coeinmnder. ><)uiig 
 Tiippcr is also said to huvf excited llnir nstonislinicut by ilu^ 
 manner in v\hieh he seized on one of the ringleaders, a very 
 athletic and powerful man, and led him captive to the boat. 
 For this service, and for his cunduot in a cai ;)aign again«t 
 the fierce Araucanians, wliuni the 8|»aiiiards had never been 
 able to subjugate, lie was made in .January, \>->2i\, over the 
 heads of all the lieuti nam-*, capiain ot the irrenailier company 
 of battalion No, H, conimanded by the -uuk '.^idlant Freiuh- 
 man, Colonel lieiiiichef. This company consisted of upwards 
 of lOU exceedingly tine men. and aceonipanying the battalion 
 shortly after in an expedition t) Arica, it excited the surprise 
 of the comparatively diminutive I'eruvians, and to which its 
 captain appears not a little to have n»iiiributed. This expe- 
 dition Mas stion recalled from Peru to jiroceed under the 
 director, General Itamon Freire, against the islands of Chiloe, 
 so long and so bravely defended by tin,' Siianish governor, 
 (juintanilla. On the return voyage from Ari(;a to Co(iuimbo, 
 file v'ssel, which conveyed the grenadiers ol No. H, was short 
 of both {-.rovisioii!; and water, and of the latter only a wine 
 glassful was at la^t served out in twenty-four hours to each 
 individual. Although the heat was intense, and two of tho 
 grenadiers died, the company, when drawn up to receive the 
 scanty draught, invariably refused to touch it until their 
 captain had tasted of each glass ; and one dying soldier would 
 confess himself to no one but his eajitain, &.» strong a hold 
 had he already gained on the aft'ectiuns of those he com- 
 manded, DOtwithslanding ilieir diffi-rence of religion, 
 X 
 
482 
 
 APPENDIX D. 
 
 If 
 
 M 
 
 !vf 
 
 il 
 
 
 f 
 
 
 l: 
 
 ,/ 
 
 ; 
 
 1*' ■' 
 
 {■, 
 
 '■' 4 
 
 t' 
 
 il 
 
 p; 
 
 •T 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 We have just said that an attempt was about to be made 
 to wrest the islands of Chiloe from the dominion of the 
 Spaniards. In pursuance of this object, battalion Tio. 8 was 
 embarked at Coquimbo in .Tanuary, 1H24, and landed on the 
 small island of Quiriqnina, in the bay of Talcahuano, where 
 it remained until the preparations were com[)leted. The 
 troops were formed into three divisions, and Captain Tapper 
 was named second in command of the third, but the nomi- 
 nation giving great umbrage to several majors and lieutenant- 
 colonels who hud been passed over, this arrangement was 
 annulled, and battalion No. 8 was directed to take the ad- 
 vance. The expedition reached Chiloe on the 24th of March, 
 and the next day battalion No. 8 gained possession of the 
 fort of Chacao, which offered but a slight resistance. On 
 the 31st, a detachment consisting of two battalions, Nos. 7 
 and 8, and the grenadier company of No. 1, disembarked at 
 Deicague, and at noon on the Ist of April commenced its 
 march, through a very woody and broken country, towards 
 the town of San Carlos. Two companies of grenadiers, under 
 Captain Tupper, formed the vanguard of this detachment. 
 A strong Spanish force awaited them in ambush at Mocopulli, 
 which is an immense bog surrounded by underwood, having 
 a masked gun on an adjacent eminence. The grenadiers and 
 No. 8 marched through the mouth of the defile perfectly 
 unconscious of their danger, and when within a few paces of 
 the enemy so murderous a fire was opened upon them that 
 they were thrown into the utmost confusion. The enemy 
 was invisible, and in a short time 200 of the patriots had 
 fallen, while No. 7 halted in the rear and refused to advance. 
 Captain Tupper is represented a>? having behaved here with 
 the most devoted heroism, charging twice into the thickets 
 with the few grenadiers who would follow him to so perilous 
 a service. In the second charge three men only accompanied 
 him, one of whom was killed and another received a bayonet 
 wound in the face, while Captain Tupper was himself slightly 
 wounded in the left side by a bullet — another perforated his 
 cap — and a Spanish sergeant made a blow at him with a 
 fixed bayonet, which he struck down with his sabre, and it 
 went through his leg. The bushes, however, favored their 
 escape, and, after being nearly surrounded, they rejoined the 
 battalion, which had retreated a short distance. Colonel 
 Beauchef, as a ** dernier ressort," now boldly resolved on 
 attacking the enemy in close column. Animated by their 
 gallant commander, the men formed, although they were 
 previously in complete disorder and No. 7 had retreated, and 
 carried the position at the point of the bayonet, pursuing the 
 royalists for about half a mile. But the field was dearly 
 purchased, the detachment engaged, of scarcely 500 men, 
 having 320 killed and wounded, including 13 out of 18 officers, 
 
about to be niafle 
 doiniiiion of the 
 [vttaliou INo. 8 was 
 and landed on the 
 alcahuano, where 
 completed. The 
 jd Captain Tapper 
 pd, but the nomi- 
 jrs and lieutenant- 
 arrangement was 
 ;d to take the ad- 
 the 24th of March, 
 possession of the 
 hi resistance. On 
 battalions, Nos. 7 
 1, disembarked at 
 rii commenced its 
 country, towards 
 f grenadiers, under 
 r this detachment, 
 ibush at Mocopulli, 
 mderwood, having 
 The grenadiers and 
 he defile perfectly 
 thin a few pares of 
 d upon them that 
 sion. The enemy 
 the patriots had 
 fused to advance, 
 ehaved here with 
 into the thickets 
 lim to so perilous 
 only accompanied 
 received a bayonet 
 as himself slightly 
 ler perforated his 
 ow at him with a 
 his sabre, and it 
 ver, favored their 
 they rejoined the 
 istance. Colonel 
 )C'ldly resolved on 
 Animated by their 
 hough they were 
 md retreated, and 
 onet, pursuing the 
 field was dearly 
 carcely 500 men, 
 iout of 1» officers, 
 
 COLONEL WILLIAM DE VIC TUPPER. 
 
 483 
 
 and 71 of 1;1G grenadiers or>mpo^.ing the vanguard. The 
 division having thus suffered so soven?ly, and the nature of 
 the country being so lavorabie to its' defenders, Colonel 
 Beauchef returned next day to tlie ships ; and the lateness* 
 of the season, added to the intelligence of the arrival in the 
 Pacitic, from Spain, of the Asia, "of il4 guns, and Achilles, 
 brig, cotiipeiled the squadrou to sail for Chile. Captain Tap- 
 per was rewarded with a brevet majority for his conduct in 
 this disastrous affair, and he wrote nearly two years after- 
 wards, in allusion to some remarks relative to the Chile 
 
 troops, as follow : <' The observations in F 's letters, 
 
 respecting our troops, are not at all just ; tlie Chile soldiers 
 are as tine a class of men as I have ever seen, extremely 
 hrave and very capable of fatigue, indi-ed to a degree of 
 which your English soldiers have no idea. Moreover, they 
 
 are very robust, and so contrary to what F supposes, we 
 
 have not a single blnck in the regiment. The discipline is 
 tolerable now, and the clothing is superior to any i have 
 seen in Spaiti. I perhaps speak ])assionately, as I dote on 
 all my brave fellows, particularly on my old company of 
 grenadiers, with the fondness of a brother; the feelings of 
 absolute adoration with wiiich they regard me, and of which 
 so many have given mo sucli niehuicholy proofs, are surely 
 sufficient to draw my lieart towards them. I wish you could 
 see my gallant servant as he now stands before me — his 
 dark and sparkliiig eye intently fixed on my couiitenance, 
 his sun-burnt visage, his black mustachoes, and his athletic 
 fii;ure, altogether forming as line a soldier as can well be seen." 
 The decisive battle of Ayaeucho having, with the solitary 
 exception of the fortress of Callao, effected the liberation of 
 the whole continent of Spanish America, it was resolved to 
 renew the altemjjt to drive the Spaniards from the islands of 
 Chiloe, which form the natural keys of the Pacific when 
 approached fron) Cai)e Horn. Another expedition in conse- 
 quence, commanded again by the director in person, set sail 
 from Valparaiso in November. ]&li), and, ai'ter touching at 
 Valdivia, reached Chiloe in .lamiary, when barely 2,()0[) men 
 were disembarked. Major Tapper commanded the grenadier 
 companies of Nos. (> and 8, forming part of the advanced 
 division, and was left by its comniander, (lolonel Aldunate, 
 chiefly to his own direction. The enemy, in force consider- 
 ably above :KU0O men, including 400 cavalry, occupied a 
 strong entrenched position, his right flank rostin? upon the 
 soa, his left guardeil by impenetrable woods, his front jmli- 
 saded and strengthened by a deep and muddy rivulet, which 
 offered liut two passes, one near the wood defended by ;)0(» 
 men, the other on the beach. On the 14th, Colonel Aldunate, 
 with six tlank companies, took the beach, while IMjijor Tapper, 
 with his two companies, carried the pass near the wood in a 
 
.!. i ,.^i;^iiii^;Ui©Jj*lR'.3giS*,*i'ja.»ij,^;(; ,:i':ii^ 
 
 484 
 
 APPENDIX D. 
 
 M 
 
 I K 
 
 
 fl 
 
 •1 
 
 ' .4 
 
 few minutes, with little loss, by jumping over the palisade, 
 when he escaped almost miraculously, as, before his men could 
 join him, he was exposed to a tremendous discharge of mus- 
 ketry, which covered him with mud, and shot away one of 
 his epaulettes. The royalists having been driven also from a 
 second position, their cavalry attempted a charge, but were 
 completely routed by the grenadier company of No. 8. The 
 enemy now retreated to his last and strongest position on the 
 heights of Bella Vista on the road to Castro, the principal 
 town of the island, and was attacked unsuccessfully three 
 different times by five flank companies. Colonel Aldunate 
 thei. called Major Tupper, nnd, pointing to the royalists, 
 said : " The glory is reserved for you — dislodge the enemy 
 immediately." This was a most desperate service, as the 
 road, or rather path, was so narrow as to admit of only three 
 or four men abreast ; but taking a flag in his left hand. Major 
 Tupper ordered his grenadiers to follow him without firing a 
 shot. By running quickly, he reached the crest of the heights 
 with the loss of only six men killed behind him, his escape 
 appearing so astonishing to the survivors that they were 
 convinced he wore a charm. Here he encountered a Spanish 
 officer, named Lopez, eomnianding we believe the rear guard, 
 who resolutely maintained his ground ; a personal combat 
 ensued, and the Spaniard was killed by a sabre cut, which 
 nearly clove his head in two. There was unhappily no alter- 
 native, as the gallant Lopez would neither surrender nor give 
 way. In the mean time fourteen or fifteen of the Spaniards 
 having fallen by the bayonet, the remainder tied, and were 
 vigorously pursued for about a league on the road to Castro, 
 when orders were brought to the grenadiers to halt. In this 
 pursuit a colonel and about 50 men were made prisoners. 
 The action lasted altogether nearly four hours, and on the 
 whole the enemy, whose troops consisted partly of militia, 
 shewed but little conduct or courage, having indeed been 
 routed by the eight companies, which were the only tr )ps 
 seriously engaged on the side of the patriots, whose entire 
 loss did not exceed 175 men in killed and wotnideiL A gal- 
 lant North American, Lieutenant Oxley, of the navy, was 
 killed in an attack on two gun-boats, the stronger of which 
 was taken. Major Tupper, having volunteered, assisted at 
 its capture, although, as a Chileno officer of his regiment, 
 from whom we derive the information, writes : " It was not 
 necessary that he should, as an officer of the army, seek to 
 fight by sea, particularly when he was not ordered." The 
 surrender of the island was the immediate consequence of 
 these successes, and Major Tupper was rewarded with a brevet 
 lieutenant-colonelcy, although much more was promised him 
 when the impression, which his behaviour left, was fresh in 
 the mind of the director. 
 
COI.ON'EL WILLIAM DE VIC TUPPRU. 
 
 48.n 
 
 over the palisade, 
 
 fore his m«n could 
 
 discharge of mus- 
 
 shot away one of 
 
 J riven also from a 
 
 charge, but were 
 
 »y of No. 8. The 
 
 ;st. position on the 
 
 tvo, the principal 
 
 sixccessfuUy three 
 
 Colonel Aldunate 
 
 to the royalists, 
 slodge the enemy 
 te service, as the 
 dmit of only three 
 is left hand, Major 
 m without firing a 
 :rest of the heights 
 id him, his escape 
 ■B that they Avere 
 Hintereil a Spanish 
 2ve the rear guard, 
 i personal combat 
 II sabre cut, which 
 mhappily no alter- 
 snriender nor give 
 n of the Spaniards 
 der tied, and were 
 he road to Castro, 
 PS to halt. In this 
 e made prisoners, 
 hours, and on the 
 
 partly of militia, 
 iving indeed been 
 re tiie only tr ^ps 
 ■iots, whose entire 
 wounded, A gal- 
 
 of the navy, was 
 
 ■stronger of which 
 tccred, assisted at 
 r of his regiment, 
 
 tes : " It was not 
 
 the army, seek to 
 ot ordered." The 
 ite consequence of 
 inled with a brevet 
 
 was promised him 
 r left, was fresh in 
 
 Colonel Aldunate, having been appointed as governor of 
 Chiloe, remained there with No. 4 ; but in May ft.llowirx'- 
 that battalion revolted in favor of O'lliggins, and compelled 
 the governor to embark for Valparaiso. I.ieut.-Coloiiel Tup- 
 per volunteered to accompany him back, and they left 
 Valparaiso with less than iJOO men on the i>.")tli of .June, 1K'J(5, 
 the greatest danger appreliended being froni the winter seasJn,' 
 during which the gales of wind on the coast are very violent. 
 
 " In horr.J. climes, whore Ctiiloo's tempests sweep, 
 Tuiriultuous Dinrnuirs o'or the troubled deep."— rV/mpif//. 
 
 On the 12th of July, the Resolution, transport, in which wfre 
 Tupper and most of the lroo])S, was nearly wrecked on a very 
 dangerous reef, and the lives of ull on board were for some 
 time in imminent danger. During the niglit of the UUh and 
 14th, Tupper landed with 100 mon in the cove of Heniolinos, 
 and before daylight surprised and captured the gnrrisons of 
 two batteries, when he marched towards th(.' port of Chacao, 
 and took the battery there. Colonel AUlunato havitig landed 
 the next afternoon with the remainder ol the troops, the 
 insurgents sul)initled without further difficulty ; and on his 
 return from Chiloe to Santiago in August, Tupper learnt that 
 he had been n)ade lieutenant-colonel elf oc live for his recent 
 services. In De 'ember, he joined at Talca the army of the 
 South, and commanded one of three divisions employed to 
 destroy a horde of bandits, composeil chiefly of Indians and 
 of nearly a thousand strong, who ravaged the province of 
 Conception in summer, retiring on Ihe approach of winter to 
 the eastern side of the Cordillera. Their leader was Pinoheira, 
 the son of a I'uropeun by an Indian raoth'-r, who held the 
 rank of colonel in the Spanish service, and eounuitted his 
 depredations under the Spanish standard. With a squadron 
 of dragoons. Tapper passed the Cordillera, i)arallel with the 
 town of Chilian, in j»ursuit of the bandits, and went to the 
 eastward as far as the river Nanken, in the province of 
 Mendo/a. I'inoheira contrived, however, to elude all pursuit, 
 and, soon alter his return to Santiago, Tupper wai- appointed. 
 on the 1st May, 18'27, by General Pinto, who had replaced 
 General 1 reire as president, fir.>t aide-de-camp to the supreme 
 governnu'ut — an honorable and responsible office, in which 
 he was actively engaged in suppressing t«o or three dangerous 
 revolts, incited by a i)arty, whose private interes;?. had suf- 
 fered by many exclusive privileges being nboli-li.'d. On the 
 retirement of Colonel Heauchef in .June. 18'ii), Tupiter unlbr- 
 tunately accepted the cnnimand of his old battalion, No. 8, 
 and on the following month he vvus made full colonel. This, 
 command necessarily embroiled him in the civil m arfarc which 
 almost immediately ensued j and a few weeks before liosti- 
 
480 
 
 APPENDIX D, 
 
 f 
 
 .' I 
 
 M 
 
 ri ;;■ 
 
 •r 
 
 
 J! 
 
 if 
 
 "fiJ 
 
 l^ t 
 
 \-- '<^l 
 
 M- 
 
 
 <y' 
 
 litit'S cornmetioed, with a presentiment which was too soon to 
 be reulixed, he thus wrote to his fumily in Guernsey ; 
 
 " I naturally cannot consider tny life of lonfv duration : I 
 am too iiumedinte'y acted upon by every revolution in ti)is 
 country not to be prepareil for death, and to be perfectly 
 resigne<l to it when the day shall arrive ; even in iny time 
 how many foreign officers have not perished by cliujate and 
 by the sword. I shall have lived long enough if I leave my 
 children a subsistence and a name unblemished. My lafe 
 elevation in rank is an earnest of my rising reputation, and 
 1 have perliaps reason to hope that when 1 fall, my rank and 
 the circumstances )f my death will place an obligation on 
 Chile towards my family, which she may be willing to ac- 
 knowledge."* 
 
 (n June, 1829, General Pinto was re-olected president of 
 the republie for fi\ e years, but unfortunately he declined the 
 office, and this unexpected refuiJai not only compromised his 
 best friends, but was the main cause of all the bloodshed 
 which followed, fn the subse(pient crisis General Freire's 
 conduct was inconsistent ind vacilliiiing ; and General Prieto, 
 under the guise of obtaining the recall and returji to power of 
 the exiled Director O'Higgins, whose aide-de-camp he had 
 formerly been, having marched his troops from Conception 
 towards the cai)iial, a coalition of the disaffected there was 
 formed to supiuu-t him, and through his means to seize on the 
 reins of government. The mob, ever fond of change, was 
 induced by large bribes and the hope of plunder to act under 
 tliis coalition, which, if at first weak in numbers, was very 
 formidable in resources. General Freiro attempted to assume 
 the command of the garrison of Santiago, but the field officers 
 of the different corps refused to obey his orders, and re:iolve(.l 
 to acknowledge only the existing authorities. Thus foiled, 
 he introduced himself into the barracks of No. 8, during the 
 absence of the colonel, and ordering the battalion under 
 arms, he endeavoured in an insidious harangue to gain over 
 the soldiers to his own purposes, well knowing that their 
 defection, as composing the iinest battalion in the service, 
 would prove fatal to the constitutional cause. Colonel Tap- 
 per, being quickly informed of the attempt, mounted his 
 horse and galloped furiously to the barracks. He rushed in, 
 and the difHcuUy of his situation will be easily conceived — a 
 foreigner opposed singly to a native of the highest present 
 military and late civil rank, and beloved also by the sol- 
 diery — but the result will best prove the attachment uf his 
 men towards him. Addressing them in S{)anish, he spoke 
 briefly to this effect: " Soldiers ! the captain general has led 
 
 * By his wife, Maria I. do Zegcrs, a native of Madrid, grrand-daughter 
 of Matiucl de Zcgers, CduDt de Wa^.-rberp, in Flaiidors, ho left two infant 
 daugtit«2rs, and a postlimnous &on, born a few weeks alter his deatiu 
 
COLO.VEL WIILEAM DK VIC TUPPER. 
 
 'iS7 
 
 was too soon to 
 jrnsey : 
 
 n^ duration ; I 
 volution in this 
 to be perfectly 
 .en in my time 
 
 by cliniiite and 
 ;h if I leave my 
 shed. My lute 
 reputation, and 
 ill, ray rank and 
 n oblv'^ation on 
 )e willing to ac- 
 ted president of 
 
 he declined the 
 jomproniised his 
 1 the bloodshed 
 General Freire's 
 1 General Prieto, 
 ;turn to ])Ower of 
 de-camp he had 
 from Conception 
 fected there was 
 IS to ?eize on the 
 
 of change, was 
 ider to act under 
 Lnibers, was very 
 nipted to assume 
 t the Held officers 
 ers, and resolved 
 Thus foiled, 
 .To. B, during the. 
 
 battalion under 
 igue to gain over 
 
 owing that their 
 
 I in the service, 
 le. Colonel Tup- 
 
 pt, mounted his 
 
 He rushed in, 
 
 ily conceived — a 
 
 highest present 
 
 also by the sol- 
 
 Uachment of his 
 
 anish, he spoke 
 
 II general lias led 
 
 Irid. pranrt daughter 
 •rs, tic left two infant 
 utlur his death. 
 
 you to victory — your colonel has also led you to victorv • 
 whoMJ do you obey, your colonel or Gent?ral Freire .'" Tlie 
 whole battalion instantaneously res])unded as one man, 
 *' We obey our colonel — Viva el Coronel Tupjier!" and 
 General Freire and his suite, among whom was Admiral 
 Blanco, were happy to escape unhurt, the soldier? haviu".. 
 we believe, levelled their muskets at them. On their way to 
 the barracks they were followeil by a large mob, who attempt- 
 ed to force the gates, but on hearing Colonel Tupper order 
 the guard to prime and ! lad, the people, well knowing his 
 resolute character, dispersed in a moment. Tiiis attemj)! 
 was tlie more dangerous, is battalion No. 1 was (luartered in 
 the same barracks, and woidd have immediately followed the 
 Becession of No. »^. Freire, otj his return home, was tauntud 
 by his wife with the Itaseness and inconsistency of his conduct 
 on this occasion. Her family belonged to the constitutional 
 jjarty, and this beautiful young woman told her husband that 
 the soldiers had acted like men of hoTior, and in her indig- 
 nation she threw a plate on a marble table, whence it '.'lanced 
 oft' and shattered a large and valuable mirror into pieces. 
 She was probably tlie cause of his returning to that party 
 which he should nevei' have forsaken. It may be added here 
 that Colonel Tupper, during his short command, had been 
 enabled, from his personal niiluence v/ith the president, to 
 do much for the welfare of his battalion, which, having been 
 repeatedly distinguished in battle, was proud and jealous of 
 its reputation ; and the officers, who were principally very 
 young men ot the tirst families in the country, adhered to 
 their colonel to Ihe last with inviolable fidelity. He had 
 established a school in the regiment, and whenever the pay 
 of the men was in arrear, he borrowed money on his own 
 responsibility *'rom his friends, and discharged the claims of 
 his soldiers. 
 
 Amid the distrust and confusion which prevailed during 
 this eventful period in Santiago, General Prieto arrived by 
 easy marches in the neighbourhood, and encamped his army 
 on some heights within a league of the city. General Lastra, 
 an old man and without experience, having served chiefly in 
 the navy, being a native Chileno, was appointed to command 
 the constitutional troops, and daily skirmishes preceded the 
 general action of the 14th December. In that action, in 
 which Colonel Tupper bore a very conspicuous part, the rebel 
 troops were beaten ; but owing to the weakness or treachery 
 of Lastra, Prieto gained that by perfidy which he could not 
 effect by the sword ; and when Colonel Tupper resigned in 
 disgust, the earnest entreaties of his old commander, Freire, 
 who by rnutuui consent had succeeded to the command of 
 both nrmies, unliappily induced hiui to accept the govern- 
 aient of Coquimbo. He was at Valparaiso, preparing to 
 
I' 
 
 488 
 
 APPENDIX T). 
 
 i! i 
 
 ! : l! 
 
 ; t 
 
 
 .1. 
 
 
 ] 
 
 embark for that province, when Freire arrived, Prieto having, 
 as Colonel Tupper had all alonir appreliended, attempted to 
 take him prisoner, and compelled him to ^eek security in 
 flight from the capital. In this manner Prieto obtained 
 possessioji of a fine park of field artillery, and incorporated 
 the constitutioTinl cavalry with his own. This gross treatrhery 
 compelled Colonel Tupper to resume the coiiimand of his 
 regiment ; and on the 20th January, 1830, two days before he 
 embarked with it for Conception, which province was favor- 
 able to the liberal cause, he clearly described in a long biit 
 hurried letter to his brother — the last which his family in 
 Europe ever received from him — the origin of the contest, 
 the objects of the different leaders, the battle of the 14th of 
 December, and the part which he took in this trying moment, 
 but we regret that we have only room for a very short extract. 
 
 "I was at this time quartered with my corps in Santiago, 
 and I considered it my duty to support the government and 
 congress, because I think that the case is extremely rare in 
 which a military man can with honor do otherwise, and 
 because I was satisfied that the matter in question was not 
 one in which the interference of the military was at all called 
 tor, the greatest grievance urged by the rebels being confined 
 to the allegation that the letter of the law had not been 
 adhered to in the election of the vice-president. I knew more- 
 over that all parties, whatever their avowed object might be, 
 only sought the furtherance of their private views — that they 
 all wished to be in phice, and to plunder the country at dis- 
 cretion — and above all, I considered that no free government 
 or orderly state could exist an hour if the military were once 
 allowed to throw the sword into the scale, and decide points 
 of legislation by the force of arms, as is now too generally 
 the case in South America. Fortunately the chiefs, who 
 were in garrison in the capital, were much of this opinion. 
 We determined to give Prieto battle in support of legitimate 
 authority, and the several corps therefore left Santiago." 
 
 On the voyage to Conception, Colonel Tupper touched at 
 Juan Fernandez for water, and in February, while command- 
 ing at Talcahuano, he narrowly escaped with life in attempt- 
 ing to carry by boarding at night the Achilles, a 20 gun brig 
 of war, in possession of Prieto's party, and then I lockading 
 the harbour. In ascending the side, his left hand was pierced 
 by a pike, a bullet perforated his sleeve, and he was knocked 
 overboard by a violent contusion on the breast, but being an 
 admirable swimmer, he reached a boat at some distance, and 
 was lifted in completely exhaustei'. He was soon after 
 equally exposed in attacking by assault, on the night of the 
 })lh March, the garrison of Chilian, as he was among the 
 first to mount the ladders. The outwork was carried, although 
 bravely defended ; but as the garrison retired 'nlo -iOme inner 
 fortification, the assailants were finally compelled to retire. 
 
 — fr***" TT *■!••> ' 
 
^'?TVTT''PF>Ji.- J 
 
 (d, Prieto having, 
 led, attempted to 
 ,ieek security in 
 Prieto obtained 
 and incorf)orated 
 lis gross trea<!hery" 
 coihmund of his 
 wo days before ht; 
 ovinee was favor- 
 bed in a loop but 
 ich his family in 
 in of the contest, 
 ttle of the Utl) of 
 is trying moment, 
 /ery short extract, 
 .'orps in Santiago, 
 3 government and 
 extremely rare in 
 lo otherwise, and 
 question was not 
 ■y was at all called 
 els being confined 
 aw had not been 
 ?nt. I knew raore- 
 [1 object might be, 
 views — that they 
 he country at dis- 
 o free government 
 military were once 
 and decide points 
 low too generally 
 the chiefs, wlio 
 h of this opinion, 
 port of legitimate 
 eft Santiago." 
 rupper touched at 
 , wliile command- 
 Lh life in attempt- 
 lies, a 20 gun brig 
 d then I lockadiiig 
 t hand v as pierced 
 d he was knocked 
 •east, but being an 
 ome distance, and 
 e was soon after 
 n the night of the 
 e was among the 
 i carried, although 
 ed into jome inner 
 ipelled to retire. 
 
 COLONEL WILLIAM 1)E VIi TD'l'LU. 
 
 489 
 
 General Freire, having been repulsed from rurjiiiniho, 
 landed near the river Maule, after sustainint; the, to hiui, 
 irreparable loss of a vessel laden with arms and aunnunition, 
 and was soon joined by Colonel Tapper, who tninid his tr<jop3 
 badly clothed and paid, as he wouM no! fuUuw the oxjnnple 
 of his opponents, who impressed, witiinut hesitation, every 
 necessary supply for their army. They li;id, moreover, under 
 their control all the resources of the capital, of which I'reire 
 had been so treacherously dispossessed ; and the faithless 
 Prieto commenced his march from Santia<;o for llie south 
 under highly favorable circumstances. Wlien the deep nnd 
 rapid Maule, whose fords are not always praeticiiblc for 
 cavalry, much less for infantry, alone .separated the rival 
 armies, Colonel Tupi)er requested to be allowed to cross over 
 with 400 or oUO infantry, for the purpose of nmking a nijrht 
 attack on the enemj's camp, which, in (he desperate state of 
 atfairs, was the best expedient that could be devised ; but 
 unfortunately General Freiie would not sanction the attempt, 
 as, in the fatal persuasion that his iiopularity would carry 
 him through the contest, he had allowed himself to be de- 
 ceived by some o\' Prieto's chief;*, who, probably at the insti- 
 gation of their general, lia'l promised to join him with their 
 troops at the first convenient opi^orfunity. In oonsequenf e, 
 Colonel Tupper is said, by one of his oHioors, to have been 
 completely disgusted at Freire's evident infatuation or inca- 
 pacity, and to have anticipated the fate which awaited him 
 with gloomy resolution. lie well knew that his enemies 
 were too anxious for his fall to shew him any quarter, and as 
 a husband and a father he could not but feel deeply the 
 forlorn and desolate condition in Mbich his death would leave 
 his wife and children, lie had, however, gone tO(j far to 
 recede, and in any extremity his liij;h sense of honor would 
 have prevented bis withdrawing himself on the eve of a 
 battle from the cause he had espoused. Oti the loth of 
 April, 1830, Geneva! Freire crossed the river, and u an.! .h1 
 three leagues without obstruction to Talea, the princijjul town 
 of the province, beautifully situated midway on the high 
 road from Santiago to Conception, and about "200 miles from 
 either city. Her'^ his army was received with the greatest 
 enthusiasm, and . council of war being called, it was restdved 
 th.it; :i5 the enemy was so much superior in cavalry and 
 artillery, the constitutional troops should n-main in the vici- 
 nity of the town, where thty could not be attacked but under 
 a very great disadvantage, as Talca is skirled by enclosures 
 and ditches. Ontheldtn, Prieto endeavoured to bring on 
 an engagement, but could not draw the constitutionalists 
 from their vantage groniid. Early on the 17th, Freir«j pro- 
 ceeded with the cavalry to the adjoining plain of (.'ancha- 
 rayada, for the purpose probably of making u reconnausancey 
 
41)0 
 
 APPENDIX D. 
 
 4 
 
 i I 
 
 I 
 
 li^ 
 
 [}!; 
 
 and soon affer he sonf, most unaccountably for the remainder 
 of his forces. It w.-is on tliis plain that. (Jenoral San Martin 
 manaMivrei!, in March, IKIM, to bring the Spanish fleneral 
 Osorio to batth\; but the latter being inferior In nituifjers, 
 retreated soathwards to the same position in front of Taica, 
 which Freire had just a)»:indoned. Notiiing could be more 
 jll-jiulged or iinpr'idt;nt>as his army, which consisted of about 
 1,700 men, had only two weak, squadrons of rei^ular cavalry 
 and l'>ur pieces of artillery, while thnt of Prieto, auKJuntinfj 
 to fully *2,'J(i() men, liad 800 veteran cavalry, and 11 or 12 
 pieces of artillery. The Chile cavalry is very formidable, the 
 men being m ist expert riders, mounted on active and power- 
 ful hors-es, and generally armed with long lanci.'9, which, they 
 use with great dexterity. Prieto, observing this inexplicable 
 movement, succeeded without diflicully in placing his troops 
 between the constitutional army and Talca. In this manner 
 its return to the town was completely cut off, and it had to 
 fight in an extensive open plain with the enemy in front, the 
 Qanks unprotected, and the river Liroay, a tributary of the 
 Manle, close in the rear. After a long engagement, Freire's 
 cavalry, consisting of about fiUOmen, inoluding rrnlitia and 
 Indians, fled completely discomfited, and abandoned the 
 infantry, composed of three weak battalions, to its fate. Their 
 situation was now indeed desperate, as tiie ground was so 
 favorable to cavalry, and tin- neighbourhood offered them no 
 accessible place of defence or refuge. When they formed into 
 squares to resist the hostile cavalry, they were mowed down 
 by artillery ; and, when they deployed into line, the cavalry 
 was upon them. In this dreadful emergency they maintained 
 the conflict for nearly an hour, with all the obstinacy of 
 despair; and at length, in attemiiting to charge in column, 
 they were completely broken. There are two lines by the 
 inmiortal Byron so concisely, and yet so faithfully, descriptive 
 of a similar last effort, that we cannot avoid transcribing thera ; 
 
 " One effort— one— to break the rircliiig liost ! 
 They form— unite— chart e — waver — all is lost ! " 
 
 The loss in Freire's army fell chiefly on the devoted infantry, 
 and included eighteen ofiicers an)ong the killed. The only 
 officers mentioned as slain, in I'rieto's hurried dispatch of the 
 17th of .!\pril, are Colonel Elizalde, chief of the staff": Colonel 
 Tapper, and his gallant Major Varela, a young man of five or 
 six and twenty. Colonel Tapper is said to have exhibited 
 the most reckless valour during the day, and to have rallied 
 his battalion several times. Having dismounted to encourage 
 bis men, he was unable, in the vuUo when all was lost, to 
 find his Jiorse ; and the accounts of the manner of his death 
 are so contradictory, that it is impossible to reconcile tffem. 
 All agree, however, in stating that he was particularly sought 
 
For (lio remf»inder 
 tioral San MurtiM 
 Snanish fl«neral 
 ■rior in Tutiufjers, 
 in I'rout of Taica, 
 ig coukl be inuro 
 [lonsisted of about 
 if reijular cavalry 
 'rieto, ainuunting 
 ilry, and 11 or 12 
 ■y formidable, the 
 active and powcr- 
 incc'S, wliicl'. tbey 
 J this iiiexplicable 
 placinp Ins troops 
 In this manner 
 off, and ir. had to 
 leniy in front, the 
 a tributary of the 
 agenient, Freire's 
 uding militia and 
 d abandoned the 
 s, to its fate. Their 
 lie ground was so 
 id oifTered them no 
 r» they formed into 
 vere mowed down 
 ) line, the cavalry 
 y they maintained 
 
 the obstinacy of 
 pharge in column, 
 
 two lines by the 
 hfully, descriptive 
 .raniscribing thera ; 
 
 ; ho8t ! 
 
 Ill is lost ! " 
 
 J devoted infantry, 
 killed. The only 
 led dispatch of the 
 the staff: Colonel 
 ung man of tive or 
 to have exhibited 
 md to have rallied 
 mted to encourage 
 ?n all was lost, to 
 anner of his death 
 ,0 reconcile tfferu. 
 larticularly sought 
 
 COLONEL WILLIAM HE VIC TUPPER. 
 
 401 
 
 I 
 
 after, and that orders were given to shew him no rpiarter. 
 Certain it is that he wa^ overtaken, and " sacrificed to the 
 fears of Prieto, who justly considered him the s'- -rd and 
 buckler of the irresolute and vacillating I'reire." e was 
 pronounced by an English traveller, as " the handsomest 
 man l)e had ever seen in either hemisphere," and undoubtedly 
 his tall, athletic, and beautilully proportioned person, his 
 r.lmost Herculean strength, the elej;ance of his manners, and 
 his impetuous valour in battle, jfave the impression rather of 
 a royal knight of chivalry, than of a republican soldier. The 
 influence and popularity which in a few short years heac(iuired 
 in his adopted country, by his own unaided exertions, and 
 under the many disadvantages of being a stranger in a strange 
 land, bei-t i)rove that his talents were of the lirsl order, and 
 that he was no common character. A)id that fraternal 
 affection may not be supposed to have dictated this eulogium, 
 the following irnimrtial testimonies of its correctnei-s are 
 appended, in justice to the memory of one whom a combina- 
 tion of cruel circumstaru-es drove to a distant land to shed 
 that blood, ami to yield that life, which he had in vain sought 
 to devote to his own country : 
 
 " Alas ! how hitter is his country's cnrKf!, 
 To liini who for that country vvoulfl exiiire." 
 
 An English gentleman, of ancient family, and author of 
 travels in South America, who knew Colonel Tupper inti- 
 mately, thus wrote of him : 
 
 " He was ct'rtainly one of the finest fellows 1 ever knew — one of those 
 beings whose meteor-like flame traverses our j)!ith, and leaves an impe- 
 rishable recollection of its brilhaney 1 ha\e often held i)im up 
 
 as an example to he followed of scrupulous exactness, and of a probity, I 
 fear, alas! too unconipromisint!: in these corrupt times." 
 
 The American chnnjt rZ'(j//htre« and consul-general in Chile, 
 sairl, in a letter to Captain P. P. King, then of his majesty's 
 ship Adventure, both perfect strangers to the family : • 
 
 " The heroism displayed by Tupper surpassed the prowess of any indi- 
 vidual tliat I have evfjr heard of in battle; but, poor fellow ! he was hor- 
 ribly dealt wit; after (jetting: away with another officer. A party of 
 cavalry and Indians was sent in pursuit, and they boast that poor Tupper 
 was cut to pieces. They seemed to be more in terror of him, on account 
 of his personal bravery and popularity, than of all the otiers. Guernsey 
 has cause to be proud of so great a heto— a hero he truly was, for nature 
 made him one." 
 
 And one of the British consuls in Chile wrote to the editor : 
 
 " 1 trust you will believe that any member of the family of Colonel 
 Tupper, who may require such services as I am at liberty to ofTer, will be 
 always esteemed by one who for many years, has looked upon h.is ffallant 
 and honorable conduct as reflecting lustre upon the English name in 
 these new and distant states."' 
 
 * Tlie editor was at Rio de Janeiro when Captain King, whose ship had 
 recentt> iiriived there from the Pacific, rectivtil this letter, and he kiudly 
 sent it { - him tlirough a mutual friend. 
 
 
&■■■ . 
 
 i 
 
 92 
 
 APIM'.NDIX I). 
 
 ' ' I 
 
 • A 
 
 '■■ \ ■• 
 
 All anonyhioiis French tniveller, wlio published in n Paris 
 npwgpiiper, Le Semeur, of the 4tlt April, 1H3'2, !ii.4 "Souvenir 
 d'un Sojoiirau Chili," thus expressetl himself: 
 
 "l,<s Chillt'iis Hont JRloux ilfs <?tiHiiifcrfl (jn) prenni'nt dii nervlce chcz 
 eiix, vt 11 est asHCz iintiirel (ju'lls le soieiit, (iii<)if|u'i)n tic i>hUhc iiiirr (ju'IIh 
 aient de prmidcs obligations ii plusieurs dt? ci'ux ([Hi out fait t'liili Iciir 
 patric iidoptive. Oepuls inon retour en K)iroi)o, uii dc com liotiitiu-s, ilix'ie 
 d'unc haute estimc, ii ccss^ de vivri>. Ju vi'iix pailcr dii Colonel Tuppur, 
 qui a (?t4 fait prlsoriiiier fi la tOto de son rdjfinu'nt ; et qui, apros avoir dti 
 ti;nu, pendant une hcure, dans riiifcrtltucle siir sou sort, fnt crnellenioi\t 
 'mis h inort par les enneniis. I.e Colonel Tupper ^tait un honiine rl'une 
 grun<te bravourc rt d'un esprit ^clair^ ; ses formes etaient attd^tiquos, ct 
 I'expression de sa ])hysl(inouiio pleinc de francldsc. 11 se serait ilistmi^ni 
 partout ou il aurait ^t^ eniploye, et dans (nielquu situation (ju'il eftt tttf 
 plac^. N'est-il pas deplorable que dc tels hommes en Hoient r^duils h se 
 consaercr k une caUHe etrani<t're 
 
 " J'espt>rt' <iue le temps n'est pan I'joiif n^ ou Ton saura ai)prt<cier au Chill 
 Ic patriotisme et Tencrgie, dont le Colonel Tupper a donn^ I'lxeinple." 
 
 And in n pamphh.»t published at Litnii, in 1831, by General 
 
 Freire, in exposition of his conduct durinp: the civil war in 
 
 Chile, lHiiy-;)0, is the follovyug extract trunslared irom the 
 
 Spanish : 
 
 " 'f. does not enter into my plan to justify tlie strntcj' < niovements 
 whieli preceded the battle of Lircay. The disproportion '>ctween the 
 coutendlnp forces was excessive. Neither tactics nor prodiMivS of valour 
 couhi avail atfuinst tliis immense disadvantage. The liberals wore routed. 
 W<.'Ul(l that 1 could throw a veil, not over a conquest wliivih proves nei- 
 ther conratje nor talent in the conqueror, but over the hcrriu cruelties 
 which succeeded the battle. The most furious savages, tiie most unprin- 
 cipled bandits, would have been ashamed to execiUe the orders whicli the 
 rebel army received from General Prieto, and yet which were executed with 
 mournful fidelity. Tu)iper — illu-strious shade of the bravest (1f^^oldle^s, 
 of the mobt e.stimable of men ; shade of a hero to whom Greece and 
 Rome would have erected statues— your dreadful assassination wHl be 
 avenged. If there be no visible punlshniv nt tor your murderer, Divine 
 vengeance will overtake him.* It will dc\ ' /id an account of that infa- 
 mous sentence pronounced aerainst all stra.igers by a man + who at the 
 lime was the pupil and the tool of li vagabond stranger, t indebted for Lis 
 elevation and his bread to the generosity of Chile." 
 
 * These two sentencea in the original are as follows : " Tupper .... 
 sombra ilnstre del mas valicnte de bw militares, del mas ajireciable de los 
 hombres : sombra dc un heroe k quien hubitTan alzado esthtuas Grecia y 
 Roma ; tu asesiuato espanto.-r> seril vengado. Si no hay Cf-istigo visible 
 para tu verdugo, la justicia Divina lo tomaru a su cargo." 
 
 + General Prieto, i Garrido, a Spanish renegade. 
 
 'I 
 ill 
 
 
 
 S. Barbet, Printer, Gnernsey. 
 
Iio ptiblishod in a T'urifl 
 •il, 1832, \ih "8ouvenir 
 liiuiself; 
 
 ji prennent riu Bcnicc chez 
 loiriu'on no i>tiis«c iiier qn'ilH 
 et'ux ((ui out fait I'liili Iciir 
 w, nil de oes hoinmcs, diKnc 
 IX paikT (111 Culijiiel Tuiipcr, 
 lUTit ; et qui, apri^s avoir tti 
 4iir sun sort, fnt crm-l lenient 
 ippcr ^tait iin honimo U'une 
 irmes iftaii'tit athl^tkpiOR, ct 
 cliisc. n sc .scrait ilistinifutf 
 olque sil'iation (ju'il efit tt^ 
 iinmes eu soient I'^iiuils ii se 
 
 1 1'oii saiira appn^cier au Chili 
 ipper a douii^ rixeinple." 
 
 na, in 1831, by General 
 during the civil war in 
 act translafecl I'rom the 
 
 fy the Rtrnteg ' movements 
 disproportion Hetweeo the 
 ictics norprodiK'*'* <'f valour 
 c. The libei als wore routed, 
 conquest wlilcti provcK nei- 
 ut over the hi-rriu cruelties 
 IS savages, the most unprin- 
 jxecute the orders which the 
 et which were executed with 
 e of the bravest of soldiers, 
 hem to whom Greece and 
 eadful assassination wJll be 
 t lor your murderer, Divine 
 7id an account of that infa- 
 gers by a man + who at the 
 I stranger,! indebted for his 
 :'hUe.'' 
 
 1 as follows . " Tupper .... 
 es, del mas ajireciabie de los 
 ran al/ado esthtuas Grecia y 
 I. Si no hay castigo visible 
 a su cargo." 
 
 Spanish reregade. 
 
 ernsep.