THE CANADIAN INSPECTOR, NO. I. / &/S" €Xj* SX9 S^K 6*5' C£^3N^S €»«*« *&• CANADIAN INSPECTOR, NO- I. CONTAINING A COLLECTION OF FACTS, Concerning THE GOVERNMENT OF SIR GEORGE PREVOST* IN THE Canadas, “LIT THOSt WHO REPRIMAND THEIR BROTHERS <4 FIRST MEND THE FAULTS THEY FIND IN OTHER?/' Cay. PRINTED BY NAHUM MOWER, MONTREAL. JULY 1*15. r 5 %aT' PREFACE. THE following pages contain a mall collec- : -on of facts published at different times concerning the government of Sir George Prefost , in the Can - atlas. 1 hese facts are necessarily brought forward at this period in consequence of the illiberal language which has been recently lavished through the Mon- treal Herald, upon the principal inhabitants of this Province — who through a sense of duty, have signi- • fed their gratitude in complimentary Addresses to their Governor at his departure. V eritas , who was the most busy actor in this busy scene, has of course the honor of meeting with most attention. Every line of this General written , is an attach— founded •upon the modem principles of political tactics, — and so organised, that we were obliged at times in our quotations, to approach some words, to slight others, and adhere, as in a translation, strictly to the au- thors meaning. Quotations from other authorities, though sometimes condensed, are otherwise correct in all their circumstances. ERRATA. for 1813, read 1812. for energy of y©ur &c. read energy yoiir for with an irresistible, read with it §c. for are feared, read we find . 37 dele Montreal Address, 1814. 43 19 for ships before war, read spies before weir : — 24 for on, read an. 44 ..... . £ for graciously, read grievously . 48 1 for last, read least. 62 — - 28 dele s in battles, line 29 dele both. 64 — 16 for as Veritas, read as per Ac. 68 — 2 for futurity have, read futurity will hhi te. 5 line 24 28 17 32 12 36 THE INSPECTOR. « WOULD it not be the height of absurdity, if any one was to ascribe to the efficacy of the index on the dial of a watch, the elasticity of the spring — When in fact it is through the whl>l ' ! ° f "’ clSc “ y ' .. N. Qua.tipj-t Rev, ba." TWO months have now elapsed since Sir George Phevost, our late Governor has taken lhs departure for England. In the course of this short period, the Editor of that singular paper, the Mon- •ruEAD Herald, has laid before his readers, in smaU print upwards of twenty long columns of abuse : all aimed at His Excellency’s administration of the government in this country, Which abuse, I un- derstand, is meant for exportation after taking the shape of a pamphlet, and which pamphlet, should it ever reach will not surprise the elegant author of the “ Decline and Fall of Nations, who last year favoured the world with an outline of His Excel- lency’s political portrait, beginning thus, ‘ Sir George Prevost. A man of great abilities, to whom one of the most difficult commands under the En- glish government, has fallen at this time. I say ft will not surprise that elegant writer, because he is in the habit of wading occasionally through vo- lumes of such scurrillity to arrive at the truth. The same judicious author passes sentence upon such writers as Veritas, in the following words, « There is a sufficient fund of ill nature amongst mankind to make publications that deal m slander, be eagerly sought after ; but the eagerness is doub- ly great when the person slandered is of high rank : then envy as well as ill nature is gratified. Libels on the great seem to bring them down nearer the general level, and therefore, they give a sort of sat. isfaction to their readers and always have done so= To slander individuals of high rank, or in public office, and to abuse the measures of government are the modes by which the public mind is acted upon, to create discontent. As for the disgrace there is none attaches to the libelling of great men or pub- lie characters ; for so numerous are the partisans and abetters of such writers that they convert what is intended to be disgrace into triumph. The evil however, is not near so great as it appears to be, for those dashing libelists who make assertions with- out proofs, are only read for amusement, and mo- mentary gratification. They are not credited or productive of any lasting impression. One great disadvantage to Writers who do hot adhere to tmth or to fixt principles, is that they run into errors and contradictions which by degree take away all this credit from what they produce.” It is not a diffi- cult matter to discover who this Veritas is — The Editor of the Montreal Herald, gives the key. Ip the number which mentions Sir George’s departure after making his comment upon the addresses pre- sented to his excellency, he says, < e we close this short observation by assuring our readers that our Editorial paragraphs will disdain attacking a mail during his absence.” The emphasis upon Edito- rial certainly insinuates that he (the Editor) may continue his abuse under another head, and that head is clearly V eritas — Which prolific performance however cannot altogether be his production. He must have two or three assistants, who furnish him, occasionally with an assortment of fabrications. 1 pledge myself, says he, in his first essay, to piove oy a simple narativc, that Sir George Prevost k neither by his foresight, conciliation, example or ^ impulse called forth the energies of the militia of [ cti either province, and that the merit of preserving El them does not belong to him.” This is a bold un- P dertating but a difficult one, since it can be render- ed of no avail by the mere evidence of the author ■ l : himself. “ Out of thine own mouth wik I judge thee wicked scribler,” and in the following order. “ The spirit of the whole country is awakened — every man burns in ardour for a musket — Our pat- iIt; f riotic and energetic governor has placed a just con- toi fidence in the whole people and has made a most judicious arrangement of the regular and militia forces, which will put it out of the enemy’s power E; to take us by surprise and much less to face us in fe the field of battle. On the upper lakes our naval kj strength is complete for every purpose either defen- fc sive or offensive.”. t Montreal Herald , Edt. head, July 14, 1812. i\ “ What will our government at home think of :il our loyal and brave subjects in these provinces who i-i with only the assistance of a peace establishment r, army have as yet kept these invaders at a distance.” pta Montreal Herald, Edt. head, Nov. 21, 1813. ez These are handsome compliments which do credit it': to the Editor — We shall however, second them by ij; an extract from the Montreal address to Sir George as Prevost, of that period. “ We the inhabitants of Montreal take the liberty | a of expressing to your Excellency that great satis- j c faction we feel on your safe return from the fron- gg tiers of this province, convinced of the judgment £ with which your measures have been planned, and , of the activity and ability with which under your . immediate direction they have been carried into ex- ecution, added to the universal confidence in your $ Excellency's talents the militia from every quarter excellency ^ r standard and you have succeeded in deten ing the enemy from the pursuit tS iS’S have terminated in their defeat and disgiace-Your Excellency be, nj Mly possessed of the united ^ esteem, and affect, or of every class of the people, &c. &c. J See the Herald of that time. After living the Montreal address with His Ex- ccllency’s answer, both in English and in French and in different characters by way of distinction the Editor of the Montreal Herald continues to dis- nlay his loyalty in the following terms. “ Yesterday about ten o‘clock His Excellency thi Governor General and suit set off from this city fo Quebec, after so many months of unremitting activ itv in the midst of a loyal people who regard hm with adoration, . We heartily wish lie may am* safely into the bosom of his amiable family, anxiou for his return,, since the hour of common danger 1 past, at least for a short time.” See Montreal Herald , Edt. head, Dec. 5, ISIS At a splendid ball given by the volunteers c Montreal at Holmes’ Hotel, “ In one of the room was a Star of bayonets on a black velvet ground an in its center the golden crown raised on acushnr of crimson and white sattin — At proper intern interspersed in the Star were the initials . of our l)i loved Governor PREVOST in letters of gold. See Montreal Herald, Edt. head, Dec. i2, 181. “ On Tuesday evening last His Excclleney tt Governor General arrived in this city, from Upp 1 Canada. Sir George went as far as Fort Erie- distance of about 500 miles— His Excellency k Montreal on the morning of the 20th tilt. Th completing a journey of fully 1000 miles in 18 daj ; although he stopt a considerable time at all the prin- f c ipal military posts in his way — His Excellency we l! ; are glad to announce enjoys the best state of health. Montreal Herald, Edt. head, March 13, 1813. “ We deny any credit to those who hold the great : responsibility (ministers) for the lender aid they have afforded us since the war, though all are in one accord that the high character who was destined to : act has made the most of the materials which he found these provinces possessed of — Under his au- spices the peace establishment of regulars and our own militia have done wonders. Montreal Herald, Edt. head. May 15, 1813. « The fact is our troops in consequence of a want of naval co-operation have riot been adequate, tho * our soldiers .have achieved three times more than 1 could have been expected from them— Good God what are we come to ! Our Governor General puts himself to all the privations of a common soldier watching day and night to promote the secuiity of the country.” Montreal Herald, Edt. head, Aug. 28, 1813. « Last Saturday afternoon His Excellency the Governor General and suit arrived here from Kings- ton, U. Canada, which place he left on the morning of the preceding day in a birch canoe managed by Indians. On Monday morning His Excellency went over to inspect the troops and militia of the various military posts from Chambly to the lines, &c. Sir i: George's personal exertions have been extraordina- ry since the commencement of the war.” Montreal Herald, Edt. head, Oct. 2, 1813. We see that Sir George Prevost was a very great is favorite in Montreal for the first campaign. “On Friday were given at the Union Hotel, by the military and embodied militia officers in tho garrison (Quebec) to His Excellency the Governor “ Yesterday about ten o'clock ms ^ Governor General and suit set oft' from this city for I Quebec, after so many months of unremitting activ- ity in the midst of a loyal people who regard lnm with adoration. Wc heartily wish he may arrive] safely into the bosom of his amiable family, anxious for his return, since the hour of common dangei is) n ' n Id. A* Montreal at Holmes’ Hotel, “ In one of the rooms was a Star of bayonets on a black velvet ground and in its center the golden crown raised on a cushion of crimson and white sattin— At proper intervals interspersed in the Star were the initials of our be- loved Governor PREVOST in letters of gold.” See Montreal Herald, Edt. head, Dec. 1% >812. “ On Tuesday evening last His Excellency the Governor General arrived in this city, from Upper Canada. Sir George went as far as Fort. Erie— a distance of about 50 0 miles — His Excellency left Montreal on the morning of the 20th ult. Thus completing a journey of fully 1000 miles in 18 days, although he stopt a considerable time at all the prin- cipal military posts in his way — His Excellency we are glad to announce enjoys the best state of health; Montreal Herald , Edt. head , March 13, 1813, « We deny any credit to those who hold the great responsibility (ministers) for the slender aid they have afforded us since the war, though all are in one accord that the high character who was destined to act has made the most of the materials which he found these provinces possessed of— Under his au- spices the peace establishment ol regulars and our own militia have done wonders. Montreal Herald , Edt. heady May 15, 1813. “ The fact is our troops in consequence of a want of naval co-operation have not been adequate, tho our soldiers *have achieved three times moie than could have been expected from them— Good God what are w r e come to ! Our Governor Geneial puts himself to all the privations of a common soldier watching day and night to promote the sccuiity of the country.” ^ Montreal Herald , Edt. heady Aug* 28, 1813. “ Last Saturday afternoon His Excellency the Governor General and suit arrived here fiom Kings- ton, U. Canada, which place he left on the morning of the preceding day in a birch canoe managed by Indians. On Monday morning His Excellency went over to inspect the troops and militia of the various military posts from Chambly to the lines, &c. Sir George's personal exertions have been extiaordina- ry since the commencement of the war.” Montreal Herald , Edt. heady Oct. 2, 1813. We see that Sir George Prevost was a very great favorite in Montreal for the first campaign. “On Friday were given at the Union Hotel, by the military and embodied militia officeis in the garrison (Quebec) to His Excellency the Governor General, his Lady and family, a splendid ball and supper. The decorations were truly military, lo these were added the following paintings. A f ull length picture of His Majesty. Sir George Pre- vest’s Anns, Fame holding a trumpet from which was suspended a scroll containing the names of the places in the West Indies where Sir George Prevost had distinguished himself, to which w r as ac.ded Canada. ^ Qnireal TEerald, Ed. head , Jan. 15, 1814, “ The inhabitants of these Provinces have much cause to rejoice at the propitious manner in which the campaign has opened both in Lower and Upper Canada, Such results may always be looked for when plans are judiciously arranged and the execu- tion left to the bravery of British soldiers and sail- ors. The achievements at La Colle appeared more a miracle than an act of human power.” Montreal Herald, Ed. head. May 14, 1813. Having given the foregoing laudable extracts, it is necessary to prove that they are deserving of cred- it. Towards this end we shall insert the express con- ditions upon which the author tendered his services when he commenced his literary career and solicit- ed a share in the confidence and patronage of the public as Editor of the Montreal Herald, viz* The Editors of the Montreal Herald will support the Constitution “ and truth will be invariably pro- mulgated divested of all party influence.” — See pro- spectus of the Montreal Herald, Oct. 6, 1811. “ We shall give praise to merit, and condemn everv action which comes to our knowledge that in any w r ay, deviates from merit.” Montreal Herald, Ed. head, April S, 1815. 9 The essays of Veritas in the Montreal Herald are iso industriously framed, that every period breaths hostility to Sir George Prevost ; and the periods are so irregularly put together that I see no me- thod of making an answer but by occasionally view- ing the whole en masse. According to the French maxim “ On ne repond pas aux sotisses,” nothing in these essays deserve attention. — But as the Her- ald has an extensive circulation, it becomes a duty to sacrifice a little ease, in order to check in the bud the evil tendency of its illiberal effusions. Accusations of Sir James Henry Craig, says Veri- tas x cere sanctioned by Sir George Prevost ; who al- so countenanced that miserable paper the Spcctateur on purpose to run down his predecessor. General Craig was detested and branded with the epithets of tyranny by the many — while the few praised him and his works to the skies. With General Prevost the case was completely reversed : the many looked on him as the greatest of men and praised him and all his works, while the few, forging blemishes for him in great abundance, have made themselves highly disagreeable. During the ad- ministration of the first, we had perpetual war in peace : during that of the last, we had a perpetual peace in war. — With the one it was apprehended that the Habitants of Canada, would turn out en masse , seize upon the country and put all the emi- grants in it to the sword — which, with the other, all the enemies within and without the Province, have in vain tried to carry into execution. Gen. Craig in his last speech to the Legislative body of this Province, after expatiating upon the existing evil, goes on “ I am earnest on the subject Gentlemen — It is probubly the last legacy of a very sincere well- wisher, who if he lives to reach the presence of his sovereign, would indeed present himself with the f 10 proud certainty of* obtaining his approbation, if he could conclude his report of his administration, with saying, I found, sire, the portion of your subjects < that you committed to my charge, divided among themselves* viewing each other with distrust and iealousy and animated as they supposed by separate interests, 1 left them sire, cordially united in the bonds of reciprocal esteem and confidence, rivaling eacli other only in affectionate attachment to your Majesty’s Government and in general exertions for the general good.” Quebec Mercury, 1811, Page 92. General Prevost in his last speech to the same Au- gust Body, exults in equal elegance of language and sense of feeling, at having realised the impressive wish of his predecessor “ However intent* says he, on the subject which so unexpectedly thus sum- mons my attention, be assured, I shall bear with me a lively recollection of the firm support I have derived from you, and shall be gratified at an early period in representing personally to Ilis Royal Highness the Prince Regent, the zeal and loyalty evinced by every, class ot His Majesty’s subjects in British North America, during my administration ; their attachment to his august person and to his government, and most particularly, the spirit and devotion manifested by the people of the Canadas in the late contest with the United States of Ame- rica.” Montreal Herald, April 1, 1815. Indeed Sir George had reason to exult at the closing of his political career in this country ; for he has been extremely fortunate in his administra- tion. — During the revolutionary war, few English Generals were allowed laurels, for laurels are but thinly planted in the wilderness of America. We had upwards of forty thousand regulars — the ene- my never had half of that number, yet we lost thir- 11 « V % ty thousand brave men, thirty millions of money, and thirteen Provinces. (See view oi American revolutionary war, Page 154.) In the late war with little or no assistance either in men or money from home, the united force of eighteen States, beside the Indiana Territy, con- taining upwards of eight millions of people, left no impression upon the British dominions on this side the Atlantic, but that of indifference. The Pro- vince of Lower Canada, the real object of the con- test, which was under the immediate care of Sir George, lost nq men, received no injury, like the Angel in Milton, His Excellency watched upon the edge of our horizon, and by dint of address in ma- rmeuvring his small means, he averted the impend- iug dangers and saved the country. We recollect that Le Canadien, upon whose ruins Lc Spectateur was established, existed in Sir James Craig’s time. The productions, in that paper were generally considered inimical to certain classes of society, and some of our honorable gentlemen dis- covered some means by which they issued a war- rant. In consequence of this warrant, the press was seized by a file of soldiers, the managers were thrown into prison where they wfere allowed to re- main during pleasure. When they were set at lib- erty no questions were asked of tl>icm, no inquiry was made into the cause of their confinement, no trial was instituted, or any satisfaction offered either to the sufferers or to the public, by that government, for the violence thus committed upon the liberties of his majesty’s loyal Canadian subjects. Ignorant perhaps of preceding cite um stances, or too well acquainted with their injustice, or rather finding the late sufferers had acquired the confidence of the country, and had sufficient abilities to suit the times and his purposes, Sir George, very properly restor- 4 ' l V 12 cd them to favor, and in common with others, ad* mitted them in turn to employments. This resto- ration however necessary at the moment, was rec- koned a heinous crime — is reckoned so to this day ; and helps to give currency to the dibits of Veritas , with the opposite party. “ Sir George,” say our erotic gentry, “ promoted the enemies of general Craig, as well as the sup- porters of Le Canadien, a paper which did not spare ns strangers, “ Le Canadien is a rascal (continue they) and all Canadians are rascals.” Now I chal- lenge Veritas and his infatuated confederation of 'understrappers, to find a single passage, throughout this same unfortunate Canadien, that can come in competition for want of principles or for intemper- ance of languare with the productions now before me in the Montreal Herald. Perhaps passengers from Great Britain, however transient their stay, are en- titled to superior privileges in Colonies. Perhaps when personages of this origin find it convenient to smite a Canadian on one cheek, he, poor devil ought not to murmur but to believe the salute a good thing ; and like a good Christian, say, yea yea 5' holding out the other cheek also. “ The history '6'f Ireland inform# us, that for ma- ny centuries after the conquest^ the English adminis- tration of justice was confined to very narrow lim- its. So that the mass of the people lived without the benefit of law or equity. It was thought, that by enlightening the people they would wish for in- dependence. Dissention was allowed ; murder was frequent •, and while a native who kilKri an En- glishman was always punished with death, the mur- der of a native was expiated by a fine.” But the ill treatment which Canadian individu- als experienced, I do not charge to the conduct of See Dewar, or N. Q. Review. Vi Sir 5. Henry Craig. In my mind he was wrong- fully accused of the severity attributed to his gov- ernment, for he was an excellent man. But unfor- tunately his infirmities subjected him to bear with many inconveniences. He was obliged to see and to kear through the medium of cpunsellors ; an untoward circumstance which gave an unnatural air to Iris measures, and rendered them unpopular in most instances among the inhabitants. In his answer^to the farewell address of the executive council, he savs, “ If I receive with satisfaction the expression of general esteem and approbation from various parts of the province, how much more grat- ifying must these sentiments be, coining from the members of bis majesty’s executive council. Oth- ers caa judge only from effects produced by such measures as" I have pursued during my administra- tion of the government of the Province, iou gen- tlemen, know flie principles upon which they have been founded, and have been made acquainted with the motives of all my actions — you are therefoie, more able to appreciate them at tbeir just estima- tion.” Quebec Mercury, lbli, Page 191. Le Canadien of Sir James Henry Craig, is reviv- ed with redoubled violence in the Herald of Sir George 'Provost. What the reputed French were then, the reputed English are now ; and both seem more under the influence of passion than reason. Whether the reigning factions expect to live in after- times through their present endeavours^ is Vioie than 1 know. But the historian I presume will pay little or no attention to assertions and arguments unsupport- ed by official documents , or at least the authority of those w ho were immediately engaged in the sev- eral transactions brought forward. Next to such authorities, I considered it to be due to tho*accounts given in our newspapers under the articles compos- 14 - cd by the Editors of the day. These Editors are not paid to deceive their subscribers and friends. Therefore, when they cannot produce the truth, it is understood that they will say so, observ e their mottos , or remain silent. Such are the grounds upon which I wash this review to stand before the public. Sir George Prevost in point of health and aetivi* ty, being in the prime of life, had the advantage over his predecessor who was a man advanced in years. Sir George arrived at Quebec, the 13th Sep. tember, 1811, and on the 5th of the ensuing month we find him returned to head quarters at the Castle of St. Lewis, “ from a visit to Montreal, after in. specting the troops in that garrison, at Three- Riv- ers, St. Johns, Chambly and William-Henry; as well as the military positions in their respective neighbourhoods ; His Excellency travelled on the north shore of the St. Lawrence in going, and re- turned on the south bank of that River.” Quebec Mercury , October 1811. t Sir George made it his constant practice to see and to hear every thing that could be seen or heard ; and to admit upon credit as little as possible. By these means he was not long in the country before he knew the nature of every place, of every thing and of every character in it, much better than any other person within the limits of his command^ Possessed of this necessary knowledge, he seldom was in want of aid in that way from His Majesty's Ex- ecutive Councillors — who there! ore, were useful to him only for the sake of formality, And besides, his headquarters were continually changing situations ; so that at times, he could not possibly avail himself of the advantages that might otherwise be derived from a communication with their wisdom, without creating great inconveniences to the service ; par- ticularly as it was not then supposed, that men of 13 their weight were endowed as Veritas elegantly calk it in allusion, with the “ Loco motive faculty of Port Boys.” The Governor, therefore, was obliged to acquire the habit of transacting his affaire with- out these weighty men’s interference. This habit, however, was construed into neglect ; and although no disadvantage arose from it to the Province, it has we understand given great offence to certain indi- viduals. The addresses to Sir George, have been a continual eye sore to those who thought proper to be discontented with his measures. Ever sines last fall, some have been hammering upon that sub- ject to the great annoyance of the community at large. At length their noise is become as common as that of the bells of the Parish Church ; which are never taken notice of but by strangers, and those immediately concerned. The manoeuvres of these malcontents in the cause of imposition will bear the following comparison in the word6 of the celebrat- ed Mr. Burke. “ The vanity, restlessness, petulance and the spir- it of intrigue, of sensual petty cabals, who attempt to hide their total want of consequence in business and noise — and puffing, and mutual quotations of each other, make you imagine that one contemptu- ous neglect of their abilities is a mark of general acquiescence in their opinion : No such thing, I assure you. Because half a dozen grasshoppers under a hedge make the field ring with their im- portunate chink — whilst thousands of great cattle reposed beneath the shaddow of the oak chew the cud and are silent. Pray do not imagine that those who make the noise, are the only inhabitants of the field *, that of course they are many in number or that after all they are any other than the little shrivelling, meagre hopping though loud and trou- blesome insects of the hour.” n There is a time ot prosperity, sav s an other great writer, “ when the buzzing hum of sycophants ftun the ears of great men, while the splendours of office surrounded — ; Language such as I now use could not havfe escaped me. It is when a great man is beaten down by faction and cabal that liis true friends peculiarly delight to avow their attach- ment: It is the time too when the little sneaking contemptible maggots whom his kindness had warm- ed into being will be seen crawling and Wriggling from him.” The address to Ilis Royal Highness the Prince Regent; from the inhabitants of Canada has been considered a master-piece since it Was twice regis- tered and served up in the Herald, besides the ma- ny quotations from it which have occasionally a- dorned the pages of that officious paper during the dead season. This information could not be in- tended for subscribers as they must have been ac- quainted with the Subject much better than the Edt itor himself. It must have been intended for Great Britain — And the Editor, like the African Sable Chief, swollen in his pride and squatted upon his throne of turf, inserted it no doubt, saying to him- self, “ what will the people of England think of me” ! A certain gentleman who was full of hope cross- ed the atlantic and elated witli the flattering idea of acquiring a rapid fortune by land speculations ; he directed his course into the wilds of Upper Can- ana. This was in the time of Governor Gore’s ad- ministration. But our gentleman after sojourning there some few months and practicing some few manoeuvres, feeling disappointed, he it seems mea- sured back his steps and wrote a Book. As the circumstances attending this book have some affin- ity to the present proceedings in the Herald, we shall beg leave to illustrate our subject by a few 17 quotations from an English Review cf that publi- cation. The writer of the letter to Lord Castlereagli, gives some account of the Dramatis Persona in Mr’s political piece of the worthies, who ac- cording to him, filled the highest offices, and were driven from them by the tyranny of the Governor. These worthies by the establishment of what they term an independant press, were enabled to pro- ceed rapidly to organise — and became the rallying point tor all dissatisfied and turbulent spirits iii the Province and gained strength daily. They every- where gave out that the governor would be recall- ed and a new order of things established, &c. The effect produced by this doctrine was not confined to the low and illiterate, but extended to gentle- men, who.. Rom their education and high rank, ought to have known better. However, this state of things did not continue long, and in the end work- ed its own cure. The extreme violence of the fac- tion alarmed and disgusted every man ol sense in the Province, and produced a greater oppositson to their rulers than they were led to expect, 'i his gentleman (anther) continues the review having considered neither his property nor his person se- cure in the colony, was consequently tight to leave it. , t . . Alfred, if he is not Veritas , is at least a twin brother, who labours in the same vineyard — And Alfred in the Herald of the 8th of April, expresses similar sentiments with the foregoing emigrant : If the administration of the government of Canada, says he, is to be continued upon the present princi- ples, property and character cannot expect protec- tion *, attachment to the king and government must cease, men of independent minds must retire ; im- proper means will become tlic only passport to of- fice— anti to the participation of the loaves and fj s h es . Ay ! the loaves and fishes, there is the rub. Sir George Prevost whose government in this country has become an object for savages to fire at from behind the bush, is the son of General I re- vost who distinguished himselt in the American re- volutionary war — particularly in his defence ol Sa- vannah, which against the superior and combined force by sea and land ot f ranee and the revolted British colonies, he preserved to the British Gov- ernment. Sir George was born in New-Jcrsey, under the British Flag, while his father was on service there. He entered early into the army, advanced gradual- ly to his present rank and has been thirty five years in the service of his king and country. He was created Knight and Baronet for his noble achieve- ments in the line of his profession — Was Governor in the West Indies — was Governor in England — was Governor in Nova Scotia : And by an approv- ed line of conduct, he established a character which verv deservedly procured him the eminent station of Governor General and commander in chief of British North America. The sense which the peo- ple of Nova Scotia entertained of the government of Sir George Prevost, we can learn from the fare- well address of the principal inhabitans of their me- tropolis. It is as follows - “ To His Excellency Sir George Prei ost, Baronet, §c. S$c. <§c. “ SIR, “ Your Excellency intending shortly to leave this Province, the inhabitants of Halifax, cannot omit expressing to you their unfeigned regret on the oc- casion, and at the same time of testifying their grat- itude for the many real benefits which the province has derived from your short administration of the government. “ We have often been induced to come forward to manifest our esteem for many valuable and re- spectable characters, who have tilled high stations in this country, for it has been our good fortune to have had many men of tried worth at the head of the civil, naval and military departments here ; but believe us, sir, we use not the language of flattery when we say, that we have never felt more sincere regret, than for your departure from us. “ Equity has been the ruling principle of your administration, and the most unremitting attention to public business its invariable practice : Your in- defatigable zeal carried you into the most remote parts of the province, and you became early^ ac- quainted with our situation and our wants. The confidence with which you inspired the Legislative Body, induced them to provide ample supplies for the different branches of the public service. The wisdom with which they have been appropriated equal the liberality with which they were granted, and must produce extensive and permanent benefits to the country at large. “ Your ears have been, open to petitioners of ev- ery class, and your ready attention to their wants and their claims, has left no cause for complaint. With the sentiments of affectionate and respectful regard which you have excited in our breasts — while we deploie our loss we cannot but derive consolation from the justly merited honors that cause your removal. “ We consider your appointment to the supreme command of British North America as an earnest of the blessing which his Majesty’s subjects on the western side of the atlantic, are to enjoy under the government of the august personage, the aniversa- 20 ry of whose birth we this clay assemble to commem- orate. At this critical period when the prejudices of misguided councils of a neighbouring nation ren- der it not improbable that we may be called upon to defend the invaluable privilege of Englishmen, it must be a source of satisfaction to every loyal sub- ject, that His Royal Highness in the name of our venerable and revered sovereign has entrusted the defence of these colonies to an officer, who has so frequently proved himself worthy of commanding British colonics. ' May he ever, sir, be thus influ- enced in his nominations to offices of great trust and high respectability, by the merit of those on whom they are to be conferred. We thank you for your condescension in permitting your portrait; to be taken and left with us. It will be a perpetu- al memorial of a personage, whose public conduct and private virtues have been so beneficial and en- dearing to his Majesty’s subjects iii this province. “ You go sir, to a more exalted station, but you cannot go where you w ill be more beloved or re- spected. In taking our leave of you, permit us to assure you of our warmest wishes that every bless- ing may be your’s, and every happiness attend your amiable and exemplary Lady and each individual of your excellent family.” Halifax, 12/// August, 1811. See Quebec Mercury , Sept. 11, 1811. Read this address Veritas, and blush for your sins. It contains the true sentiments of a loyal people, sentiments which go to the heart and will make a good man feel more than he would willingly ac- knowledge. I wish I could hold the peri of the writer, that I might render equal justice to my un- dertaking. “ After the declaration of war was believed at Quebec,” reports Veritas, “ Sir George despatched n orders to captain Roberts of St. Joseph, to act upoij the defensive. But captain Roberts stimulated by, and concurring in the opinion of the traders, fol- lowed General Brock’s orders in preference to those of General Frevost, and the Fort of Michillimackk nac, was taken without bloodshed.” How has Veritas come by this secret. Mr. W. Mackay, who was employed by the agents of the North West Company, to carry the news of the war to the Company’s headquarters, upon Lake Superi- or, was the bearer of Sir George’s despatches to St. Joseph. If Sir George did give such orders — they must have been discretionary — not positive — since in a General Order of the 8th of August, 181?, he expresses his approbation by announcing •with great satisfaction to the troops under his command , the capture oj Michillimach mac, as having been effected in a manner highly credit 'hie to Captain Roberts and the officers and men employed upon the occasion, and without the loss of a man. See Quebec Mercury, vol. 8th. Page 251. “ General Brock however having received no in- structions from General Frevost, hesitated about taking the Fort of Niagara — but having learnt that General Hull had crossed at Sandwich, and was ravaging the British side, he marched for Detroit, and captured General Hull and his army, without firing a shot or losing a drop of blood on either side. Sir George gave no orders to Gen. Brock, because he cunningly reserved to himself the pow- er of either blaming or praising the gallant general according to the issue of events. Indeed, this in- decisive conduct unhappily adhered to Sir George, during the whole war. General Prevost’s armistice with General Dearborn, prevented General Brock from sweeping awav all the American posts down to Sackets Harbour inclusively.” N men. Sir Geoage had a long line to defend ; but had he energy, he might have withdrawn some of bis troops from certain points, concentrated them in certain others ; and turn a feint into real attacks as opportunity offered. The tables would by such a system be turned, and the enemy reduced to the defensive according to the well known principle in mechanics that velocity is equal to weight ; so an active small force, would have produced gi eater efr feet, than a lazy big one”— Ergo, had Sir George acted mechanically according to the principle hud down for him by Veritas three years after the affair was over, he might have overpowered his unwieldy opponents to his own liking ! ! Looking into the British American Royal Kalen- der for 1812, which was the first year of the war, we find our Canadian army list, consist only of seven battalions, viz. 10th Veterans, 1st battalion of the 8th, 4 1st, 49th, 100th, Newfoundland and Canadian Fenciblcs, with four companies of the Roy- al Artillery. Amounting in all to, perhaps three thousand five hundred men *, and upon the man- agement of these depended the defence of the Can- adas, which from Quebec to Michillimackinac, (ex- clusive of the immense territories beyond that }>ost) presents a frontier line of upwards of eleven hun- dred miles in extent, so that our army could furnish only three soldiers to a mile of territory. Indeed, / 23 Sir George himself observed that his regular; being few in number, they were dispersed and preserved as absolutely necessary to serve as pivots for the militia ; so that every man in his little army, seem- ed to him of the highest value ; perhaps worth their weight in gold. No wonder he was sparing of such lives, particularly if taught by experience to expect no assistance, beyond the means already in his pos- session. The effect of these means upon the ene- my, I shall beg leave to introduce in the Words of an excellent writer, who is well known in the polit- ical world as a first rate character, viz. B. Garde- nier, Esquire, of New York, formerly a distinguish- ed member of Congress. “We shall consider the war operations accord- ing to the divisions which our government and that of Great Britain have made the armies of the West, the Centre and the North. “ It is well known that General Hull, with our army of 2500 men began his march many months before Congress declared war. General Brock, with a handf ul of troops and as many Indians com- pelled this army to retreat from the British territo- ry, and soon after captured it with the whole of the Michigan territory. General Harrison, who suc- ceeded to the command promised to retrieve the loss. All the western States poured forth their my- riads. Their armies of governors, of generals and heroes, as thick as the autumnal leaves, with whom general Proctor, who had replaced general Brock, had to contend for a twelve month, with a small force of 7 or 8()0 regulars, who assisted with a few Indians, caused us a loss of 5200 men. And had not commodore Perry deprived the enemy of lake Erie, Harrison with his thousands could never have triumphed over the British general. That is get- ting possession of the most remote settlement of G. 24 George* was taken by 4000 men and by the navy from ''1500, who in their turn at Stopy Creek, took two of our generals 200 men, and caused us a loss of 800 more, besides Our baggage. Cooped up three times their number in Fort George, lor a whole season — “Exhibiting, as Governor lievost says in his intercepted ietter, the . unheard ot mih- tary “spectacle ot a small insignificant aim} block- ading one of three times its force. ’ .We chaiged 5200 to the amount of the W estern army. W e may now charge 8500 for the loss of the army of the Center. The army of the North when Wilkinson lay at Grenadier Island, his force amounted to 10,000 men. Hampton had 5000, which with 6000 mili- tia augmented the force destined to reduce Lower Canada to 2 1,000. Opposed to this army were on- ly 5000, (regulars) 2000 of whom were in Upper Canada.” See Examiner, to l. 1st, page, 91. “ If this country is able, to conquer C anaua, says the same author. on another occasion, “why has it riot done so in the two. campaigns which have been devoted to it? Why, if it is able, have we been en- tirely, completely, disagreeably foiled ? “ Foiled in 1812, because they did not estimate the difficulties. But now having acquired the ne- cessary knowledge, they would ensure the most bril- liant triumph. Accordingly they have concerted a grand campaign. The whole season was employ- ed in tremenduous preparations ; public expcction w T as perpetually on the stretch, i he secretary at , war was in the vicinity of the armies. Pern' had secured lake Erie ; Chauncey had hemmed in Yeo’s fleet on lake Ontario. Wilkinson sounded his bu- gle ; Hampton rose in his strength. From east to west was nothing heard but the dreadful note of preparation, and the easy capture of Montreal. From both armies came letters teeming with assur- anc&s of victories. We are in Montreal or damned said one. One said this, another said that ; but victory, victory, was the cry of a thousand trumpet tongued throats. But what was the result ; utter disgraceful, infamous defeat ; drove out of Canada by a handful of troops ; leaving the frontiers of Ni- agara smoaking in ruins ; and at French Mills : properly estimated at 2,000,0000 of dollars.” Examiner page SI 7. The Captures of Michillimackinac and Detroit, and the consequent trophies arriving in Montreal upon the heels of the business of La Chine, aided by the previous zeal and activity displayed at Mon- treal, came opportunely according to Veritas, to si- lence the prudent, to fix the wavering, and confirm the great bulk of the people in loyalty'. Now, Sir George continues he, had no hand in all this. He had only to reap the fruits of what others had done. It was often said, that Sir George has the merit of doing what Sir James would not have attempted, viz. to defend both provinces, whilst the other thought of nothing but securing Quebec, and its timid inhabitants, from harm. Nor was Sir George decided upon a general defence, before he came to Montreal. Then our historian asserts, that the provinces were saved by general Brock, by the In- dians, by the traders, by the engagees, by the Up- per Canada Militia, by the regulars, by the mea- sures pursued at Montreal, before Sir George’s ar- rival, and not by Sir George ! ! D $6 Not to take Veritas’ word for this allegation, wc shall have recourse to the evidence of ail Upper Canada, to prove the imposition. From the answer of the Legislative body of Up- ter Canada, to the President’s Speech at the open- i,, g of the Provincial Parliament, 27th February, 1813, we take the following extracts. From the answer of the Commons, “ We parti- cipate in the satisfaction expressed by your honour, at having it in your power, on the first time you are called upon to address us, to offer our cordial eon- oratulatiOn on the uniform success which has crown- ed His Majesty’s Arms in this Province. _ “ That the enemy has been foiled in his machin- ations against it, that three of his armies have sur- rendered or been completely defeated, and that two important. Fortresses have been wrested from him, are to us sources of the highest satisfaction. “ We feel highly gratified to learn that his Ex- cellency the commander of the forces, has been pleased to order clothing for a considerable portion of militia. “ Wc learn with the highest satisfaction that the most vigorous measures have been adopted under the direction of the commander of the forces, and are now in operation to strenghten the Provincial Marine, and preserve the superiority of the Lakes, so esseiitial to the prosperity of this province.” From the answer of the Legislative Council. “ Our warmest acknowledgements are due to his Excellency tiie commander of the forces, for having ordered clothing for a considerable proportion of the embodied militia, and we arc confident that this mark of humanity and kindness will still farther ex- cite that determinate spirit of resistance which that body of men have hitherto so nobly manifested- 27 « It is with the greatest satisfaction we learn that the most vigorous measures have been adopted un- der the direction of the commander of the forces, and are now in operation to strengthen the provin- cial marine, and to preserve the superiority of the Lakes.” Addresses to his Excellency Sir George Prcvost, Knight and Baronet, &c. &c. &c. In Upper Can- ada, March, 1813. I'o Ilis Excellency Sir George Prcvost, Knight and Baronet , $c. $c. MAY IT PLEASE YQUR EXCELLENCY, “ We his Majesty's most dutif ul and loyal subjects, the Commons of Upper Canada in Provincial Par- liament assembled, beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on your arrival in this Province, and to express the unfeigned satisfaction it affords us in as much as it is an additional proof of the high inter- est your Excellency takes in the general welfare of this colony. “ We should be wanting to the sovereign, under whose paternal care we have so long lived, to our country and to ourselves, were we to neglect to of- fer to your Excellency at this time, the sentiments of gratitude with which we feel inspired for the marks of your attention manifested in providing clothing for a considerable portion of the loyal and brave militia of this Province, as well as for the ac- tive and vigorous exertions which have been made, and are now making for strengthening our marine force upon the Lakes, which will enable us to se- cure and preserve that superiority upon that favor- ite element to which Great Britain is indebted fox her prosperity and her glory ; and on which our safety so materially depends. “ Emerging from a state of infancy, the inhabit- ants of this province have been enabled by the aid N afforded them by your Excellency in his Majesty’s, regular forces to defeat the designs of the enemy ; although his number have been in every instance so superior. “ To suppose your Excellency will not continue to extend every assistance to us in this emergency, would be the height of incredulity, after the testi- mony we have already witnessed of your vigilance and affectionate solicitude for our preservation. It would be superfluous, therefore, to suggest how much we stand in need of the fostering hand of our mother country — to be directed by the wisdom of vonr Excellency in order that we may maintain the laws and constitution so dear to us, and which it is our sincere hope we may transmit unimpaired to our posterity. “ We hesitate not to say, that the energy of your Excellency may exercise towards the attainment of this great end, will be jealously seconded by the people of this province, and that their efforts under the influence of an omnipotent power, and the de- votion of your Excellency’s military skill, will be eventually successful. “ ALLAN M‘LE AN, Speaker. “ Commons House of Assembly, March 2, 1813.” The town of York, not satisfied with the testimo- ny of respect, gratitude and attention conveyed by their representative, in the foregoing address to Sir George Prevost, they joined a duplicate of their sentiments, which follows : — To Lieutenant General Sir George Prevost, §c. MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY. “ We the Magistrates and other inhabitants of the town of York, are happy in having an opportu- nity of paying that respect, which we owe to your Excellency, and of offering our most sincere thanks 29 and acknowledgments for the attention you have been pleased to shew to this province. “ The pride and pleasure which we feel from the behaviour of our gallant militia, is greatly heighten- ed when we consider that their conduct is honored with your approbation, and that you are pleased to testify your sense of their services in ordering cloth- ing for a considerable proportion of their number ; an act of benevolence and humanity which will make a deep and lasting impression on their minds j and stimulate them to preserve that high character which they have already acquired. “ But we should indeed be, much wanting to your Excellency as well as to ourselves, if we did not on this occasion, with gratitude acknowledge the obligation which this province lays under to the valour and discipline of his Majesty’s regular forces whose courage and conduct, bn the most trying emergencies, have done honor to the name and to the character of a British soldier. “ We are particularly gratified, and offer our most sincere thanks and acknowledgments for the vigo- rous exertion which have been made, and are still carrying on towards the strengthening our provin- cial marine, by order of your Excellency, fully con- vinced that to maintain a superiority upon the lakes is an object of the first importance to this province. “ Thankful for that success which has hitherto crowned his Majesty’s arms under your command, we earnestly beg for its continuance, entertaining the pleasing hope, that by our own conduct, and the exertions of our brave defenders, we in this colony by the blessing of God, may long remain under the protection of our parent State, a free, brave and loyal people.” “ THOMAS SCOTT, Chairman:' I shall (once for all) give Sir George’s Answer, to this address — to serve as a specimen ot his Lx- ccllency’s manner of acknowledging his sentiments, and of the high sense, which he and the world were taught to entertain pf the brave people ot Upper Canada, by their noble conduct in the defence of their country, under so many unavoidable privations and disadvantages, during the late unequal and ar- duous contest with the United States. ANSWER. “ gentlemen, “ I am sensible of your sincere thanks and ac- knowledgments for the attention which you consid- er me to have evinced in the welfare and preserva- tion of this province. Not only my duty, but also the express commands of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, govern my conduct in regulating and improving those objects which excite your ap- probation, and in expressing the high respect I en- tertain of the gallant and patriotic behaviour of your militia, I express the sentiments of your sovereign and of your fellow subjects throughout his Majesty’s empire, who admire and applaud the exertions of a free, brave, and loyal people, manfully contending to preserve for themselves and their children the fostering protection of a virtuous, wise, and power- ful state.” “ Government York House, | Upper Canada, March 3, 1 813, j To His Excellency Sir George Frevost, Knight and Baronet, tS, c. &c. (‘yc. “ MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY, “ We* his Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal sub- jects, the Magistrates, officers of the militia, and other inhabitants of the town of Kingston, and oth- er parts of the Midland District, beg leave respect- fully to express the high sense we entertain of your 31 Excellency's watchful care for the safety of tills province, which has led you at this inclement sea- son to undertake a toilsome journey of many hun- dred miles for the purpose of visiting and inspect- ing its extensive frontiers. Your presence, sir, caii- not but diffuse fresh energy in all classes of his Majesty’s subjects, and encourage them to continue their zealous co-operation in the common cause ; and we trust that under the judicious arrangement which has been made by yodr Excellency’s orders. Divine Providence will continue to crown our ex- ertions in defence of the province against his Ma- jesty’s enemies with the same success by which they have been hitherto happily distinguished.” Kingston , March 7, 1 813. Though last not least, comes the address of the Eastern District. To His Excellency Sir George Prevost, Knight and Baronet , Captain General , §c. <§c. <§’C. The loyal address of the inhabitants of the Eastern District. “ We his Majesty’s dutiful and loyal subjects, in- habitants of the Eastern District of Upper Canada, beg leave to present to your Excellency our un- feigned* and heartfelt congratulations on your safe return from your long and fatigueing journey to the upper parts of this province, which your ardent zeal for the service of your king and country, and pater- nal solicitude for the security of this portion of his Majesty’s dominions only could induce you to un- dertake. “ We thank heaven for having preserved you Ex- cellency’s person from all the dangers to which you have been exposed, not only from the enemy in the long line of frontiers through which yoti had to pass, but from the contageous diseases, which rage thro’ many parts of these provinces, and other dan- gers incidental to a journey of upwards of a thou- sand miles in a country like this, still destitute 01 inns, and proper accommodations for travellers, and the most inclement season of the year. ‘‘ So illustrious an example of despising danger and sacrificing personal ease and comfort, exhibit- ed by the representative of our beloved sovereign, both cheers and animates us to bear with resigna- tion, our individual privations in the glorious cause in which we Jiave to struggle. We now experience the truth in which we have so often heard with wonder from others, that your Excellency’s pru- deuce carried with an irresistible attraction and con- fidence among all classes of people, wherever you go. We should consider it criminal to complain of the hardships to which the present state of warfare has subjected us, in common with all our fellow subjects in this province ; perfectly convinced as ■we are of your Excellency ’s earnest wish and read- iness to alleviate our sufferings as much as lies in your power. “ The auspicious event which in the late brilliant success of his Majesty’s arms at Ogdensburg, so closely followed the arrival of your Excellency ia Upper Canada, flatters us with the hope that this will be but one of the happy consequences of your visit. We cannot express to your Excellency in .terms sufficiently strong, our satisfaction in thus having an opportunity of teaching the enemy that .their repeated insults, and wanton attacks upon our shores, are not to be borne with impunity. “To your Excellency’s active and fertile mind we look up with much confidence for the vigorous and energetic measures, to prosecute a war, into which the insidious policy of a faithless and invete- rate enemy has involved our country and ourselves, and iu which are feared every filing which can ren- der life desirable at stake. ° We are determined to stand or fall by the pa- rent country, and to defend the crown and dignity of our revered sovereign, our families and our prop- erties, with the last drop of our blood. We know that justice is on our side, and we trust that the God of battles will continue to favour our cause as he has hitherto done. Indeed wc do not allow our- selves to entertain the smallest doubt ot a glorious termination of the contest under your Excellency's government and Heaven’s protection, “ Gknghry, March 8, 1813.” ; Sir George Provost's opinion of the people con- fided to his care is principally discovered from the perusal of his public despatches. These jn time of war, arc of course translated into all languages, are read by all nations, and Very deservedly have given the Canadians a name : In every instance having bestowed praise, where praise was due ; our militia at this moment, if report be true, pass for the best ill the world. The large contributions forwarded from various parts of the British empire, for the as- sistance and comforts of sufferers in Upper Canada, are the eliect of official representations, and not of (dry 'nothings. Sir George’s high sense of the dis- tinguished loyalty of the people of the Eastern Dis- trict, whose handsome address graces these pages, cannot be exhibited any way better than in his own elegant language. His answer which is short and to the purpose, is as follows : — GENT LX MEN, “ I am very grateful for your congratulation, on my arrival among you — the blaze of loyalty, which prevails throughout the Eastern District of Upper Canada, and the examples 1 witnessed of perfect resignation to the hardships aiid privations inseparable from a state of war, with an ungener- ous and unjust neighbour, cheered my route thro' E r Sl- it. and will furnish me with a pleasing opportunity of reporting the circumstance for the favourable consideration of His Royal Highness the 1 nnce Recent.” Montreal Herald , March 20, 1813. The appointment of Governor General and com- inander in chief of British North America is too momentous to be confided for any length of time but to a man of an established character for superi- or abilities. Since, by his great distance from the scat of the Imperial government, he becomes to all intents and purposes invested with the powers of a Viceroy. At the head of extensive and scattered territories naturally divided, certain div isions must necessarily be entrusted to the administration of‘ able and experienced officers, who like the com- mander in chief of regiments, have the sole manage- ment and responsibility of all the affairs, officers, men, &c. committed to their charge. Hence, in- feriors of every description that compose this gen- eral chain of government arc taught to look up for whatever concerns them as a part of the whole, to their immediate superiors. Thus from grade to grade ; from the. private in the ranks to the Prince Regent at the head of the government, and he to his king and country : so that each in the general scale is understood to depend upon the other ir. re- gular rotation. The inhabitants of the islands of Newfoundland, Prince Edward, Cape Briton and the Bermudas ; of the Province of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and their several dependencies ; have recourse in all cases to their respective Head-Quarters without a reference, or without ever thinking so unreasonably as either to praise or dispraise the Governor Gene- ral for the result of their applications, whatever that may happen to be. . r\ As Upper Canada is precisely upon a similar foot- ing with the governments just mentioned, I am surprised that any of its grievances are charged directly to the account of the Governor General in preference to more immediate accounts. We find the following severe charges in Veritas, against the first men in the country, for differing with his principles and understanding before they were promulgated. “ The cold indifference of a Prevost, lost the com- mand of those internal ( ■ perhaps the historian means the infernal ) waters. Andvyet the addresses, add- ed Veritas , have the shameless effrontery to say, “ The smallness of the regular army, with which your Excellency was left to withstand the whole ef- forts of the United States for two years, and the insuf- ficiency of the naval force upon the lakes, have ex- posed his Majesty’s arms to some reverses.” How came they to dare, continues he, to venture such an im- posture ?” This elegant comment of our historian, will be found among other good things of the same nature in his No. 3. And among the good tilings in his No. 4, we have the following paragraph. “ It has been a common remark, that any notice taken of the militia of Upper Canada, by Sir George, w as in a cold forbidding manner — and, that he seldom gave them the aid in troops that his means were equal to. His duty however, extended alike to the protection of both provinces. But we hear of no addresses to him from Upper Canada.” And then comes upon his departure, which the historian should have added, was so sudden and unexpected, that, the good people of Montreal and Quebec only, let alone those in a manner at a thousand miles dis- tance, had time to do that which ninety-nine out of a hundred would feel happy to have done, viz. Render unto Caesar that \ which was C&sar’s. By a similar expression of tlieir gratitude and thanks, to; the benefactor of the Canadas, in addresses such as the following, which were presented to the same personage upon preceding occasions as containing the sentiments of the whole country, and to which Veritas himself, must have subscribed if 1 may be allowed to judge, from testimony already given in this number. The following is an extract frpm the address of the inhabitants of Quebec, to his Excellency Sir George iVevost, December 1812. “ Vy'e the inhabitants of the city and neighbour- hood of Quebec, beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on your safe arrival to the bosom of your much respected family. “ We behold with admiration the resources which the wise and conciliary measures of your Excellen- cy have in an eminent degree brought into opera- tion — and under Divine 1'rovidenee, our utmost gratitude is due to your Excellency for having hith- erto, without the effusion of blood, arrested the threatened invasion of our country. Your Excel- lency has duly appreciated the character o his Majesty’s subjects in this province, (and we feel a pride which language can with difficulty express in contemplating the unanimous zeal, loyalty and cour- age, displayed by the whole population in the sup- port of the government. “ The confidence your Excellency has placed in the people committed to your care, has only awak- ened those generous sentiments by which their an- cestors were distinguished ; and in this part of the province, but one feeling prevailed at the moment of the late premeditated attack, that of regret for being at a distance from ,.your Excellency and our brethren in arms. Your Excellency may with con- fidence, rely on the unanimous co-operation of the entire population, when you may see fit to call theca, forward, &c. &c. &c ” Quebec Mercury, vol 8, page 395. As all the addresses of the inhabitants of this province, breathe a striking similarity in nobleness of sentiment, and with vieing with each other for the zeal, loyalty, veneration and gratitude, I shall give a list of the whole, but insert only an extract front that of our House of Assembly, with the reso- lutions ; which distinctly convey the people of Lower Canada's real sense of the obligations due to Sir George Prevost, for his eminent services to his king and country, during his administration of the general government of British North America. LIST. Quebec Address, .... 1813 Montreal Address, .... 1814 Uiie inhabitants of Canada's Address to Ilis Royal Highness the Prince Regent, - 18 14 The Clergy of Canada’s Address to His Roy- al Highness the Priuce Regent, - - 1814 Montreal Address, .... 1815 Quebec Address, ..... 1815 Effingham Address, .... 1812 The addresses (excepting the Clergy’s) are I sup- pose, to be iound in all the provincial papers of their respective periods. House of Assembly, Monday March , 20. “ The House then resolved itself into a commit- tee of the whole, to consider whether it be expedi- ent to give to his Excellency the Governor in chief, some marks ot its gratitude for his distinguished services in preserving this province from the inva- sion projected by the government of the United States ot America, and for the care with which lie has watched over the welfare ot the province, came to several resolutions which were ordered to be reported to the House to-morrow.” The same day after mentioning their free senti. merits of Sir George Prevost’s administration, in an address to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, they in an address to himself upon business, intro- duced the following handsome paragraph : — “ We take this opportunity of repeating the ex- pression of our sentiments of gratitude to your Ex- cellency, for having by your prudence, by the wis- dom of your measures, and by your ability preserved to the Empire, these important provinces, and for the paternal solicitude with which your Excellency has watched over the welfare of his Majesty’s sub- jects, and to pray your Excellency to rest assured that those benefits will ever remain deeply engrav- en on the hearts of the Canadians.” March 21. — According to order, the resolutions of the committee of the whole House, to consider whether it would be expedient to give to his Excel- lency the Governor in chief, some mark of grati- tude, for his distinguished services in this province, were reported to the House. Agreed to, and or* dered to be engrossed.” The said Resolutions were as follows : — Resolved, that this House entertain the highest veneration and respect for the character of His Ex- cellency Sir George Prevost Governor in chief, whose administration under circumstances of pecu- liar novelty and difficulty stands highly distinguish- ed for energy, wisdom and ability. “ Resolved that this blouse representing the peo- ple of this Province, anxiously desirous of express-* mg their gratitude to His Excellency, for having under Providence, rescued us Ifom the danger of subjugation to our late foe, have and do hereby give and grant, a service of plate not exceeding five 39 thousand pounds sterling, to His Excellency, as a testimonial of the high sense this House entertains of His Excellency’s distinguished talents, wisdom and ability. v “ Resolved, that for the better carrying into ex* ecution the object this House has in view, for the purchase of the service of Plate for His Excellency, the Speaker of this House be authorised to give di- rections for such persons in England as may be best able to execute the same, and that when so com- pleted, the said service be presented to His Excel- lency the Governor in chief, in the name and on the behalf of the Commons of His Majesty’s Province of Lower Canada. “ Resolved, that a humble address be presented to His Excellency the Governor in chief to commu- nicate the above resolutions, humbly praying that His Excellency will be graciously pleased to ad- vance a sum not exceeding five thousand pounds sterling, to the order of the Speaker of this House, for the object stated in the above resolutions ; and that this House doth engage and humbly pledge it- self to make good the said advance the next ensu- ing session of the Provincial Parliament, &c. &c.” In the speech of the Speaker of the House of As- sembly, upon presenting the Money Bills to his Excellency the Governor, the same sentiments to- wards him are repeated in a most impressive manner. “ The events of the late war,” says the Speaker, ' “ have drawn closer the bonds which connect Great Britain with the Canadas. These provinces have been preserved to her under circumstances of pecu- liar diflieulties. At the epoch of the declaration of war, this country was destitute both of troops and of money ; and your Excellency was at the head of a people, in whom it was pretended, that half a v. Century of repose had extinguished all military spirit. * “ Superior to prejudices which had but tod gen- orally prevailed, your Excellency has derived from the devotion of that brave and loyal, yet unysily calumniated people, resources sufficient tor discon, ceiling the plans of conquest devised by a foe, at once numerous and elate With confidence. Rein- forcements. were subsequently received, and the blood of the Sons of Canada has flowed, mingled with that of the brave soldiers, sent to its defence,” &c. A gentleman who resides at some distance from here, has communicated a letter to me written by a member of the Legislative Council, dated in March; which furnishes the following elucidation of the foregoing extracts, “ Last evening the House of Assembly voted him (the Governor) a service of plate, or rather five thousand pounds to purchase one — a very hand* some compliment, and worth twenty addresses, as conveying the sense of the country. There were only three dissenting voices, and these w ere not opposed to it on principle.” Veritas after giving a relation of the tumult at La Chine, and at other places, goes on, “ Whilst this was in progress, iSir George was on his way from Quebec, and before he arrived or could possibly be consulted, decision became necessary. According- ly a committee of the Executive Council resident here, lost not a moment in sending out a mission to reason with the tumultuous., and warn them of their fate,” &c. This is the first time wc have heard of a commit- tee o/ safety, composed of Counsellors, but We are to understand the real meaning ot committee of coun- sellors resident fiere . — I bis committee must hove been appoited by Sir George. At any rate, J do 41 W conceive that this committee deserve any par- ticular credit for the part which they acted in the affair. Appointed or not appointed they could have acted no other part than the part of a simple magis- trate or justice of the peace. And every justice of the peace, indeed, every militia captain, through- out the province, is invested with equal power for acting in such emergencies as the one in question. “ But who will pretend to decide what the effect of a contrary example on that critical occasion might have ttfeen ; or even had the town militia remained indifferent ; or had the committee of counsellors, been less prompt in their measures, or had they waited to Consult the Governor — I shudder to think of it $ but thank God, instead of this, Sir George (who had nb hand whatever, ih bringing about this happy change) had only to come and thank the mi- litia on their return.” This is truly, very fine, something like the mountain in labour. What is the reason that the militia in the vicinity of Mon- treal and Quebec, found themselves engaged in such a dreadful storm ; a storm that could make the bold Veritas shudder, even in thought, while the rest of the militia of Canada, enjoyed a perfect calm, in thoughts, words and deeds.” Let me inform this writer of history, that a nod of Sir George’s head, dr a wdve of Sir George’s little finger, w ould have had more effect at La Chine, than the pres- ence of tlie three Counsellor?, and all their machine- ry put together. Alter perusing what the Herald of the day, says lipoh tliis trCmenduous subject; we find two differ- ent relations delivered to" the public thrqugh the same channel, we find that the Herald, of the 4th of July 1812, does not correspond either in form or substance, with the Herald of the 15th April, 1 815. In the first, we have only the officer of pc- Ike Mr. M ‘Cord ; no mention is made 01 the Di rectory of Counsellors ; whence we ^ani nou em- anated all the wisdom which saved the countij. Sir George had no hand in quelling the rebellion „ t Lachine — He was not arrived — and three of His Misty’s Counsellors, directed by the impulse of the mmnent, did not wait to consult his Excellency, but went to work without his presence, and there- bv saved the Province. That is to say, il a parcel of' discontented fellows would take it into their heads to walk deliberately up with firebrands m their hands to set fire to our Counsellors houses ; our Counsellors instead of arresting the mischief in the bud, would wait the arrival of the chief magis- trate or assemble in Council to ponder what nas best to be done— whether it would be wiser to stop the incendiaries at their outset, or allow them to go on until the arrival of the chief magistrate; then exclaim that the chief magistrate was to blame ; be. cause lie had not taken the necessary precautions to learn what was — to come to pass aeeoidmg to their assertions, he ought to have provided himself with the Lydian Ring to render his spies invisible, or at least to have encouraged second sighted men to help him into the secrets of futurity.— I have la' ely read somewhere, that a French Philosopher bad discovered the valuable secret of constructing an instrument which will indicate the exact state of the weather a fortnight before hand. I hat is, this happy invention will foretell, better than any alma- nac, whether the weather will be fair or f oul, clear or cloudv, at any given time witlun fourteen days. A discovery of this kind possessing the virtue of prying into foreigner’s minds with equal facility, would be found useful to commanders of armies, WUUlll UC noviui w ~ . provided they could obtain a patent for confining the secret, to their own purposes. Telegraphs arc useful, they convey information with great celerity, but we could not erect telegraphs in the enemy’s country without granting liim an equal privilege in ours. Perhaps Veritas, who seems to be a long headed politician, could fall upon a wav to suspend a Telegraph, like Mahomet’s coffin, at a safe dis- tance in the air. Speaking of air, br ings Balloons to my recollection ; but Balloons are cumbersome expensive thing ; one might as well travel with a Frigate in his baggage from London to Lake Erie, as with an Air Balloon ; an Air Balloon would, therefore, be inconvenient. Paper Kites, are of the same nature with Air Balloons ; they are light of carriage, and are soon framed for use. I could wish to see Veritas, take a jaunt to the upper regions in a paper Kite, with Herschel’s forty-foot reflecting Telescope slung under his arm to help his vision, for the good of his country. “ Sir George did not employ ships before war, and the want of intelligence of the enemy’s milita- ry designs and movements has been so notorious throughout the war, that I shall pointedly touch upon them hereafter.” General Craig had spies, I find on entry in the public accounts of 1808, which states, that one John Richardson, was paid 145/. of disburse- ments for secret services. Mr. John Henry, had been employed in that light ; and we all know Mr. John Henry, with the result of his sec red services. Sir George it seems* had no spies, since Veritas was not in the secret. Yet it is notorious that the enemy has been foiled in all his attempts to enter the province. Nor do we know an instance ol sur- prise ; abating the unfortunate affair of St. Regis. And that affair was in the hands of bold vigilant men ; men innured to dangers, watchfulness and precaution j for they were voyagers. r l he enemy occasion. ‘ ■ v » ' , // o 1 General Wilkinson, in a letter to the Secretary at war, of the 1st Ndv. ISIS, says, “ The sole un- pleasant circumstance before me, is our total igno- rance of the preparations of Sir (jeorge Prevost, and what we may expect to meet in the Island ol Montreal. I fear no consequences, but it must be painful to lead more than six thousand men to bat- tle hood-winked ; and yet all my efforts to procure intelligence from Montreal, have proved fruitless. of the same deficiency. 1 Yet we, mighty wise folks, from Great Britain, sincerely believed^ in our pat- riotic fits that all the natives p,f. the United States whom inclination or necessity induced to remain amongst us and who' became Denizens , w-crc so ma- ny spies over the conduct of the war, for the bene- fit of the enemy. “ Happily, individual diligence and zeal, made up for this gross and unpardonable neglect,” &c. That is, for the neglect of not em- ploying spies. , This great blow is aimed at Sir George, \vho perhaps should have had his emissaries in Con- gress. By individual diligence and zeal, is meant the North West Company. A gentleman concern- ed with that company in the Indian trade, happen- ing to be at Washington when the war was declar- ed, dispatched an express through a ' chain of cor- respondents to two points in the Canadas $ and fbe agents of the North West Company, forwarded the Examiner , vol. 1st, page 287. I could produce many other pleasing instances 45 first information of it to the government at Quebec - r where it arrived in the short space of six days from Washington. The North West Company, to do them justice, deserve great credit for the active part which, upon all occasions, they had taken in this contest. They raised a corps of voyagers, and supplied it with offi* cers from their own partners, who received no pay. Three out of the four captains who led on the Mon- treal Volunteers, were of that Company. In the upper countries the North West Company, forget- ting private interest and convenience, furnished ships,' men, arms, provisions, &c. to the extent of their power, as often as tfie public welfare required such assistance. In Lower Canada they prepared voyagers, supplied all deficiencies in necessaries, as well as officers to conduct expedition’s to their des- tinations ; and in every quarter the members of this concern were greatly instrumental in forward- ing the views of government by facilitating the co- operation of the Indian nations. We find no less than twelve field officers among the partners of that company, who reside in this province. All true friends to the country, and to Sir George Prevost. One of the oldest partners, a gentleman, who since the commencement of hostilities, had gone round the world, and who lately had retired from business, not only signed the last address to Sir George Pre- vost, but also performecl a journey of 360 miles to present' it. ' Mr. William Mackay, who is also of that party, and now Lf. Colonel, performed a voy- age of 3,000 miles' in thirty days, with dispatches, in consequence of the declaration of war. It was he who so handsomely foiled the celebrated gener- al Pike's entrance into the province at Riviere ki Colie ; and who last year, by dint, of good conduct, courage, and perseverance, captured the possessions 4& of the enemy upon the Mississippi; which now bear his name. But the business of this Company, is probably the trade which is disguised in the following paragraph. « a certain trade has been a ruthless scourge to the agriculture of Lower Canada, which the monop- olizers could not restore, even by six times the sac- rifice of their total fortunes. Let them pocket this truth ; they dare not make a reply.” Montreal Herald, Edt. head, June 19, 1813. * They dare not make a reply, or rather they will not take the trouble to make a reply. The asser- tion is without grounds, and therefore, below their notice. We find that in Great Britain, the whole popula- tion consists nearly of the following proportions. Supported by the labour of others, - 3,159,923 Unproductive labourers, - - 1,704,500 Productive labourers, ... 5,955,947 Total, 10,820,270 In this total appears of persons employ- ed in agriculture, including farmers, graziers, millers, mealmeu, farriers, horse doctors, &c. only 2,000,000 Remain, 8,820,270 Calculating upon the same principle, and com- paring small things to great, we shall find that a fifth of our Canadian population, do not attend to agriculture. Pray what are the employments of the remaining four fifths ? IIow many of them are voy- agers, and, how voyagers being in the service, of commerce are of disservice to their country ? A great author in England, describes the nature of commerce, as follows. !- One hundred pounds laid out in wool, and that wool manufactured into goods, for the Turkey mark- et, and raw silk brought home in return, and man- ufactured here, will increase that one hundred, to five thousand pounds ; which quantity of silk man- ufacture being sent to New Spain, would return ten thousand pounds •, which vast improvement of the first five hundred pounds, becomes in a few years dispersed amongst all orders and degrees from the prince to the peasant. Thus again a parcel of Iron- stone, which when taken from its natural bed, was not worth five shillings, when made into iron and steel, and thence into various manufactures for for- eign markets, may probably bring home to the value of ten thousand pounds ; for steel may be made near three hundred times dearer than standard gold, weight for weight. Twenty acres of fine flax when manufactured into the dearest and most proper goods for foreign markets, may in return bring what may be worth ten thousand pounds ; for an ounce of the finest Flanders thread has been sold in London for four pounds, and such an ounce made in Flanders into the finest lace, may be here sold for forty pounds ; which is above ten times the price ol stand- ard gold, weight for weight.” Thence the poet says, “ The furs that norms a monarch, warm'd a hear." As to the voyagers themselves — from the nature of their education , it was acknowledged at the be- ginning of the war that great services were expect- ed from their experience, as defenders of the coun- try. “ His Excellency the Governor General, says the Editor of the Herald, has been pleased to per- mit the gentlemen of the North West Company to raise a battalion of volunteers from the voyagers in their employ. We are not certain of the exact number this corps is to consist of, but we are in- 4 $ formed that at last, 1000 are assembled from the Surrounding country to enlist. I hose haidy men will soon combine the requisites of regular discipline and partisan warfare, along with, accustomed voca- tion of inland sailors/’ , See Herald, Oct. 3, 1S12. The law of no substitutes was meant for the En- glish ; but “ the loyalty of that class, the English, defeated the plan. , The draft took place and the English furnished their quota promptly.”. Yes, they furnished their quotas— but they cunningly evaded the law of substitutes: Each company of English sendentary militia, made up a purse between them ; with which they procured the number of drafts required, of young Canadians from the coun- try r who after pocketing the cash were directed to take their stand in the ranks, and to volunteer their services. But this evasion being contrary to law could not screen the men remaining in the compa- nies from ensuing drafts. Individuals, therefore, being in perpetual awe of falling into danger, found it necessary either to look out for commissions in country battalions of militia, or walk into the limits, of the* Montreal volunteers for security ; so that these volunteers offered their services, and became incorporated, not so much for the love of Country, for the love of loyalty, for the love of glory, or yet for the love of good example, as for the love of a- voiding the conscription law. By the adoption of this measure, they however, found thcnlselves cgfegious- ly mistaken ; unfit for their new coats, they found themselves as it were encumbered with them, as with chains. Sir George was scarce of soldiers ; a duty was to be performed j and he kept the noSeS of these line young volunteers, without minding their quality, for more than a twelve month to the grindstone. So that instead of five, as in other parts of the countrv, nirietv-nirie out of a hundred of the 49 Montreal loyal British militia, became exactly wliat they meant to avoid, they became conscripts, or rather, as the law terms it, real incorporated militia. “ Whoso diggeih a pit shall fall therein ; and he that rolletli a stone, it uill return upon him” The dreary long service contrary to expectations -which our line volunteers were left to perform is the real cause of that general discontent which has ever since distinguished the members of that con- eern. I mean of that corps ; a corps which delights in talking well of themselves and disrespectfully of others — their superiors. This same Montreal British militia, by way of good example, no doubt, murmured, and their Lieut. Colonel, if report be true, threatened to throw up his commission, when ordered upon djuty out of town ; and the battalion, (or corps, or whatever name they were pleased to wear), insisting upon re- maining in charge of the garrison, Sir George ob- served,* that there were old women enough in town to answer that purpose. N6 wonder, after impos- ing such hard duty, and shrewd remarks upon the tender frames, and delicate feelings of gentlemen brought up to different understanding of self con- sequence in the scale of public concerns ; I say, no wonder, if Sir George was no great favourite with them. The discontent which appeared against the law of substitutes, was chiefly raised by his Majesty’s loyal British born subjects in this colony. These enlightened men, spared no pains to inform the Ca- nadian people that it was a d— d rascally law ; that the law was unconstitutional ; and that no such law ever existed in any part of the world, either an- cient or modern, not even in the Empire of the tyrant • See a late Spectateur. G 60 Bonaparte. .This furnished the groundwork of the disturbance in the environs of Montreal. But that disturbance was partly owing to the aukwardness of the officer who happened to have the charge of the militia at the time. This gentlemen either did not understand his duty* or wanted spirit, or conduct, or all three, to exercise it. That disturbance began at Point Clair, about a deserter from the incorpo- rated militia. The party who went to arrest him having been repulsed, prompt and vigorous mea- sures were not adopted; the cause became, in a manner, common between town and country. Hab- itans espoused the cause of habitants — Towns peo- ple, the cause of towns people — The military inter- fered and there w as an end. A writer who stiles himself A. S. has sent me a long ode, composed, as he says, by a volunteer af. ter the return of that corps from the foregoing ex. pedition. One of the stanzas which mentions no names, runs thus : The affair Of Point Clair, Will aye be kept in mind, The rebels fled before us, As chuff before the wind. Both hungry And angry, So well We play’d oar parts, That scarcely we could walk home, So some came home in carts. I have reason to believe that something of the same nature, with that of La Chine, would have oc- curred in many, or indeed in all parts of the pro- vince — if no better resistance was made. There are obstinate men in all the divisions who would have carried opposition to the greatest lengths had their officers testified an inclination to yield their authority at the first blush and waited for legal means to carry orders into execution. But little \ 51 difficulties no where but in great places, could be magnified into a revolt— tior should such partial evil stamp a whole people as bad subjects ; the like at times happens in the best regulated countries. We have seen in the papers the other day, a mob of 50,00(), even in London. Our Montreal British militia are certainly great patriots, and brave men. They talk of battles, but their great advocate Veritas will find it, I presume, a difficult task to prove that many, if any, of that renowned corps, ever left their fire sides voluntari- ly to fight* Abating the call to the domestic quar- rel of La Chine, where they were employed as con- stables to run after some unruly habitans, whom a detachment of the 49th regiment had previously put to flight and pursued in company. In the course of the late war, an excellent wri- ter of the United States, circulated the following comment upon a degree of patriotic zeal, not dis- similar with that before us. “ These burning, bursting, flaming patriots,” says he, who scold so incessantly because others do not fight, why do they not turn out ? now look at them, unwilling to volunteer the least exertion, you will meet with them in public houses, at the comers of streets, supporting the war with their noisy tongues ; but you will not find an arm raised by them in bat- tle ! The fact is, these fellows care nothing about the matter. Of all those who talk so much, not one can be found to fight unless he is offered a commis- sion with good pay ; and then he would rather pa- rade the streets and talk. Words, words, words, these bloody warriors deal in ; but blows, blows, blows, they avoid, with the most scrupulous pre- caution. Master and man from head to tail, are of the same kidney.” 5 $ I know the volunteers were often employed, and, not without some inconvenience, in the same light as at La Chine, conducting prisoners oi. war irom prison to prison ; but their principal duty consisted in takiiv care of the town of Montreal, which, m other words, amounts to no more than taking care of their own affairs ; ibr which they accepted, in common with his Majesty’s regulars, of his Majes- ty’s pay and rations. It is trite they once crossed oyer to the opposite bank of the river, and caroused a week or so at La Prairie, in consequence of an alarm from the Lines. And it is also true, that they went as far as La Chine, to meet general Wil- kinson’s invasion. Of this expedition which lasted full fourteen days, I shall endeavor to convey an idea in my account of the commanding officer of the volunteers. In the meantime, it will not be improper to remark that the Lieut. Colonel of the Montreal British militia--a gentleman of thirty- six years standing in the country, possessing great property, great respectability, great influence, &c. retired the second year of the war w ith his family into Great Britain, and others as respectable oi the same corps followed the Lieut. Colonel s example. These are the people whose loyalty and good ex- ample the world is made to understand saved the Canadas. Their number however, at any time did not exceed 500 ; which number was made Up of merchants, shopkeepers* clerks, tradesmen, &c. of all nations and descriptions. Here also, I beg leave to introduce some aid to explain my meaning. “ This nestling corner of the earth Where every plant of foreign birth, Blossoms in rich luxuriance rare But seldom roots it’s fibres there. 5b Here comes in search of glittering pelf, Full many an avaricious elf, Condemned through toiling world to roam Without a country or a home. • ‘ In search of this accursed meed, He's now a Pole, a Dane, a Swede, A Porf-uguese, a Renegade, A traitor, — any thing for trade.” And therefore, a sad mixture I should think to come in comparison with our bold, honest, land- holders, and country farmers, to whom the editor of Veritas, in his happier days pays the following compliment. See his Journal of the QTjth Novem- ber, 1813. “ The militia,” says he, “ after evincing the most unequivocal marks of loyalty, having gone to their homes to the number of twenty thousand. No peo- ple on earth ever stept forward with more determin- ation to defend their abodes from the enemy than his- Majesty’s faithful Canadians. The extent of their alacrity could only be appreciated by those who were eye witnesses. A most cbnvincihg proof that our country is impregnable.” Veritas goes to very great lengths indeed, to fa- vour the people of Montreal. But why introduce incorrect statements for real facts. It is true that Col. M‘Gill, commanded at Montreal, in some sense during the arrival of the levee cn masse, but he had no kind of controul oyer the country divisions. He only received the reports of the. number of men from their respective commanders, for the purpose of regulating the daily rations. He certainly was attentive to his business. Did ample justice to the situation, and I have the highest .respect for his memory. I3ut beg leave to contradict the f olios - ing paragraph from Veritas, “ The country battalions of militia, as they arriv- ed in town, were classed by Col. M‘Gill, to whom the command here, was then confided, and those fit for service were armed, equipped and marched on — to different positions.” Extract translated from a general order , dated head- quarters , La Chine , 11th November , 1813. “ The sedentary militia, at present in Montreal, are to be classed as follows. 1st Class from the age of 18 to 35 inclusive, 2d do. do. do. 36 to 45 do. 3d do. do. do. 46 to 60 do. “ The first class will receive arms accoutrements, &c. Fifty selected men of this class, are to be fur- nished with axes. And the whole are to advance to — , The second class will do duty in Mon- treal. The third class will be discharged,” &c. (Signed) “ ED. BAYNES, A. G. N. A. F. VASSAL DE MONVIEL, Adj. Gen. Militia.” “ To Lieut. Col. A. B. commanding the division of C. &c.” The commanders of divisions had several similar orders of that period but none were from the Hon. Col. M'Gill. “ Some of those about head-quarters, disbelieved at first the news of the war, says Veritas, but soon after got alarmed and were for shipping off their families and effects to England ; but the people of Montreal (more bold) stood at their posts. And the flank and artillery companies of the first battal- ion of Montreal British militia, attended drill morn- ing and evening of their own accord. And became afterwards embodied. The flank companies of the (town) Canadian battalions, soon caught the exam- pie whilst those in the country would do neithei one nor the other.” ( Certe.J The English of this is, that captain Dunlop, cap* tain Richardson and captain Ogilvy, by their good example saved the country. These gentlemen I must acknowledge deserve great credit for their ex- ertions in the business, and 1 think that our histo- rian has done them ample justice by his record in their favour. The alarm which is stated as above to have, at the beginning, disturbed the citizens of the metrop- olis, extended it appears, in a short time after to our citizens here ; for we find, as already stated, that even the Lieut. Colonel of the British militia, with some of his friends obtained leave, and took their departure, bag and baggage for Great Britain. This movement of the Lieut. Colonel made of course a vacancy in the battalion. The Major became a Lieut. Colonel. And the oldest Captain, who hap- pened to be James Dunlop, Esq. (one of those he- roes who saved the country by good example, as re- corded in Veritas’ History,) became major and thereby obtained the command of the Montreal loyal British volunteers. In the Montreal Herald of the 17th June, 1815, Veritas in his tenth number, after giving the pub- lic a luminous recapitulation of his military facts concludes his labours by observing, “ It was my intention to have given also a sketch of Sir George’s civil administration, but reflecting that it liad been already so ably depicted by jtfena in his admirably written allegory, I shall for the present not prosecute that intention.” This is exactly the case with me. I intended to write fully upon the merits of that militia hero, who, upon all grand occasions leads the van of the British Society in Montreal. But finding these al- ready so ably depicted in the following futmii able documents, I shall relinquish my original intention and present no other sketch. Head-Quarters, Montreal , ) 17 th December, 1813. J “MILITIA GENERAL ORDER. “ At a general Court Martial, held at Montreal the 10th day of December inst. Major James Dun- lop, commhnding the Montreal volunteers, was tri- ed upon the following charges, namely : — “ 1st. Of being drunk at his quarters at Joseph Aiard’s, in Upper La Chine, on the evening of Tuesday the 9th of November last, when there was every reason to expect an attack from the enemy. “ 2d. For scandalous and infamous conduct at the same time and place, in making use of abusive, scurrilous and insulting language, and menacing gestures, to Lieut. Hart Logan, without any kind of provocation being given by the latter. “ Upon which the Court came to the following decision. “ The Court after having taken into the most mature and deliberate consideration, the whole of the evidence, do find that the prisoner. Major James Dunlop, commanding the Montreal volun- teers, is not guilty of any part of the first charge ; therefore, do honourably acquit the prisoner of the same. « With respect to the second charge, the Court is of opinion, that the prisoner, Major James Dun- lop, is guilty of using abusive and insulting language, only toward Lieut. Hart Logan, and do acquit the prisoner of the rest of the second charge, and con- demn the said Major James Dunlop, to make an a- pology to Lieut. Hart Logan, in the following words : 57 “ Lieut. Hart Logan, I ask pardon of you, for having used abusive and insulting language to you on the evening of the ninth of November, at Mr. Alard’s at Upper La Chine.” “ His Excellency the Governor in chief and com- mander of the forces, has been pleased to approve of the above sentence, and does direct that Major James Dunlop, do make the apology required of him, to-morrow morning at nine o’clock, in the presence of Colonel M'Gill, of the first battalion of Montreal militia, or in case of his indisposition, then, in the presence of Lieut. Colonel Caldwell, of the same battalion. ' “ By His Excellency’s command, “ L. T. TASHEREAU, Dep. Adj. Gen. M. F.” Montreal Herald, December 81, 1813. (COPY.) “ Notice addressed to the late General Court Martial by the prisoner, Major James Dunlop, who refuses to submit to their sentance.” “ Montreal, 18 th December , 1813.., “ Having been ordered by L. T. Tashereau, De- puty Adjutant General of Militia, to appear, this day, before Col. M‘Gill* if in health, at y o’clock, and if not, before Lieut. Col .Caldwell, to make an apology to Lieut; Hart Logan in the following words, viz. “ I ask pardon of voii, for having used abusive and insulting language, to you, on the even- ing of the ninth of November last, at Mr. Alard's, at Upper La Chine.” I have accordingly appeared at the place where the Court Martial sat on me, on the 10th December instant, not for the purpose to make the apology required, but that the presi- dent of the Court Martial, the Hon. Colonel James M'Gill. or Lieut. Col. Caldwell, might hot be de- FI tained ; for in place of coming to make any apolo- gy, I have come for the purpose, notwithstanding the opinion and command of the said court martial has laid, to inform him or them, that I disobey the said order, and I must here add further, that 1 had not' that justice done me, by the said couit martial, that I was entitled to ; as, when I wanted to ques- tion the evidence who were brought forward against me, by the accuser, I was refused that right, saying it was time enough when 1 came on my defence’" I was again refused to have the evidences broughy before the court, as they have already been there for the said abominable accuser. “ By these very evidences, I would have proved, that I had good reason for using every word of the language which I did, to Hart Logan, on the evening of tlie ninth of November last, at the house of Mr. Joseph Alard, at La Chine. “ Done in the Justice Room , in the Court House of Montreal , between the hours of nine and ten o’clock A. M. in the presence of “A. Patterson, “ James Fraser, (Signed) “ JAMES DUNLOP.” “ As I do not consider, that I used an improper sentence, or said an improper word, to Hart Logan, on the evening of the ninth of November last, at the house of Mr. Joseph Alard, Upper La Chine, the court will I trust excuse me for declining to comply with its order, so far as regards making an apology to the said Hart Logan, as had that order been even sanctioned by my revered and beloved Royal Sovereign, I would then have refused to have complied with it — yea, had it even been ratified and approved of by heaven ; but heaven is too just to have issued any such order, still, I would have dis- regarded and refused to have complied with it ; as no court shall ever have it in their power to com- pel me to utter what I consider to be improper or false. (Signed) “ JAMES DUNLOP. “ Montreal, 18 th December, 1813.” Montreal Herald, Dec. 31, 1818. “ OJJice of the Adjutant General of Militia, \ Head-Quarters, Quebec, 15th Jan. 1814. j “MILITIA GENERAL ORDERS. “ The insubordinate conduct of Major .femes Dunlop, of the Montreal volunteers, in refusing to submit to the sentence of a general court martial, approved by his Excellency the Governor in chief, and ordered by him to be carried into execution, makes it indispensibly necessary for his Excellency, in support of the discipline of the service to declare, that the services of Major James Dunlop, are no long- er required in the militia forces of Lower Canada. “ Capt. John Ogilvy, will assume the command of the Montreal volunteers, in the room of Major Dunlop, until further orders, with the rank of Ma- jor in the militia. “ This general order shall be read at the head of every battalion of embodied militia. “ By order of his Excellency the Governor Gen cral. F, VASSAL DE MONVIFJ, Adj. Gen. M. F.” * See Montreal Herald, January 22 , 1814 . “ Montreal, Ylth Jan. 1814. ** General Sir George Prevost, Baronet, Command- er in Chief of his Majesty’s Forces in British North America, &c. “SIR, “ I have this evening received under cover, a mi- litia general order of date 15th current, which gen- 60 eral order, you may rest assured onsets, mj mine., just as little as the improper, stupid and unjust sen- tence of a late court martial, approved by you, as though I held the commission of a field marshal or the value often such commissions, I would not have degraded myself so much as to have submitted to any such sentence. If the holding, of that commis- sion had depended on my complying with such an absurd judgment, had it even been sanctioned by his Majesty,' my much revered and beloved Royal Sovereign — Had you known how little I cared about the present general order, you certainly would never have taken the pains to have made it or sign- ed it. “ I now deny to you, and all the world, that I was drunk on the evening of the 9th November last, at the house of Mr. Joseph Alard, and which I have proved was not the case by no less than ten as respectable witnesses, and those ten in their per- fect sober senses, as either Lieut. Col. Caldwell, the Hon. Capt. Richardson, Lieut. Ogden, and Robert M'Kenzie, and I add that there was not a sentence of truth in the charges laid against me, and further, that I did not say an improper word to the person who brought the charges on that night, and my re- gret now only is that 1 did not turn him out of the bed he thought proper to take possession of in the evening of the preceding night, whilst I was attend- ing to my duty as Major, commanding the Mon- treal volunteer militia, in which night I was obliged to make my bed myselj on the floor. “ You are not to imagine from this detail, that I claim your reconsideration of the circumstances which led to your general order, which I have told you I disregarded and despised ; and you may rest assured that it is no compliment to me to be a major in the militia, nor would even that of Colonel or General. w . 61 if there was such rank ; on the contrary, I hold the government more obliged to me for taking such a commission than any honor I attain by it from the faithfulness and disinterested way that I have dis- charged the duties attached to it. “ It will not hurt me how far and wide the whole of the proceedings of the court martial are known, and what has taken place in consequence of the same ; as besides the general order being read to the different corps of militia, I will take as much pains as in my power to have it published to the whole of the good people of the Province at large ; as you may not expect that any imbecile act of yours, when I am its object, that I will cover or cloak it by degrading myself. You may talk of in- subordinate conduct and disobedience of orders, and such tionsensical rant as long as you choose, but your order must be of a very different nature than those approving the sentence of the court martial, that sat on me the 19th ultimo, which I have al- ready said, and now again repeat was improper, stu- pid and unjust, or the general order on the 15th inst. Before they will change my way of thinking . “ I am with that consideration, which your con- duct to me merits. “ Sir, &c. &c. &c. (Signed) “ JAMES DUNLOP.” In the dispatches forwarded to me for publica- tion by A. S. already mentioned, is the following account of this brilliant affair. “ It was addressed, he says, to one of the editors in March — but having never appeared in public, I shall, to oblige the au- thor, insert it here. Comparing it with the truth as above officially delivered, 1 find it is not unlike Veritas’ poetical manner of misrepresenting our mil- itary matters. 62 << The skirmish of tlic 9th ^Nov. in the house oi Joseph Alard,” observes, A. S. “ though well known to you and to me is nqt, I hove no hesitotion in soy - ing, so well known to the editor of the Rccoider, for we have had no evidence whatever of its appear, ance in that learned quarter, The Letter of marque employed to carry the despatches of that spirited affair, across the atlantic to the River Clyde, did not perhaps touch at Halifax. This engagement, be it remembered, took place on the eve of Gener- al Wilkinson’s invasion, it was at long shot, and commenced as follows, vide licit. “ The Major and one of the inferior officers (his own eleve) happened to be quartered together and had but one bed between them. The night being cold, and blankets scarce, a contest arose which of warriors should sleep in the middle — and “ A violent skuffle now ensu’d, And Chamber P-ts the place bedew’d ; Swords and pistols in the water, tyladc a devil of a clatter, And drove into the field our lads, Swearing the same as common bawds ; One bore the beding on his head, The other wielded the bedstead ; Thus — took their distance like two rams, But fought their battles with G-d damns : So bouoke A bougre they both remained ’Till both were threaten’d to be cained.” The following excellent comment from a review of last year, upon Mr. D — ps celebrated letter to the commander in chief, richly deserves a place here. “ It is the bounden duty of every true British sub- ject, strictly to observe proper ;subordinat ion, which, far from being incompatible with British liberty is a necessary ingredient of it. And this duty, is most strictly enjoined upon rich men, because an execra • w T r the two behold, 68 ble bad example from them is infinitely more per- nicious than from the poor : and because the only support of their riches is that constitution which a N disorderly want of subordination would destroy. Riches of themselves are most, despicable in the eye of reason, particularly when the owner possesses no one estimable quality. Lord Bacon has happily com- pared them to a dunghill : worthless when heaped up, but useful when scattered like manure over the face of the earth. When therefore, an individual (of a nation now famed for loyalty) distinguished above his fellows for no one quality of pre-eminence but overgrown superfluous wealth, thinks proper to make himself conspicuous by bloated pUrse proud arrogance, the honest public with indignation and abhorrance will behold him perching himself upon his money bags, like a goose upon a dunghill, and hissing out presumptuous scorn and insolent defi- ance to the representative of Majesty, for doing that which had he left undone, for once, he would have been unmindful of a high and important duty.” See Canadian Anti-Jacobin Review, No. 6, page 24. “ The proceedings at Montreal, consequent upon a knowledge of Wilkinson’s descent, says Veritas, remains to be described. Early in the morning of the 9th November, that, information was first had by an officer from Fort Wellington, who stated that the American army had passed it in the night of the 7th, and as it was full moon and clear weather, the apprehension was that the enemy would push on night and day, and be almost upon the heels of the bearer of the intelligence. The whole of the mili- tia on the north side from Three-Rivers upwards, were ordered out, and the Montreal volunteers with the three sedentary town battalions, marched in the afternoon for La Chine,” &e. Montreal He) aid, 20 th May , 1815, Veritas , No. 6. But as we have not discovered that any of the Canadian militia, who were called out by His Ex- cellency Sir George Prevost, to meet General Wil- kinson’s invasion, either caught or followed the ex- ample of his Majesty’s British Montreal volunteers on the present occasion, we sincerely believe that the Canadian militia never caught nor followed an example of loyalty from that quarter. The twenty thousand Canadian militia whom the Montreal Herald mentions, in flattering terms of approbation, for having come forward so handsome- ly ; it appears came forward in less than twenty four hours. The intelligence of the invasion arriv- ed at Montreal the 9th, as Veritas’ history, and on the 11th, the militia w r ere classed as per general or- der, signed by the tw'o adjutant generals. The militia coming forward in such numbers and not following the example of the Montreal volun- teers at La Chine, as per court martial, throws some light on the observation of Veritas, which lie ad- vances in the impressive idiom of the country, the sentiments of the Canadian militia, in the following words : “ Nous resterons tranquilles chez nous, ou nous niarciierons tous ensemble.” “ That is, we shall either remain quiet at home, or rise en masse.” The reputation of His Majesty’s arms, says a historian, has extended to the utmost limits of the earth. The Canadians vie with the other subjects of his Majesty for loyalty ; and they every day give^ fresh proofs of their fidelity. From the nature ot the climate and their situation, they make war dif- ferently from Europeans ; and though they neces- sarily imitate the Indians, with whom they are at perpetual enmity, they are generally successful and 65 ottert cover themselves with glory in their enter- prizes. But to ensure success they must have con- fidence in their leader. Le Compte de Frontenac, adverting to an expe- dition to Hudson’s Bay, in which a small party of Canadians, were wonderfully successful, remarks, “ Qu’il etoit d’autant plus glorieux de voir que les armes du Roi ont penetres les climats les plus rudes de l’univers sous l’etendue de son generalat — Qui malgre tous les contre-tempts qui nous y sont arri- vez il pouvoit dire avec justice qu’il falloit etre Ca- nadien, vu avoir le coeur d’un Canadien pour etre venu a bout d’une telle entreprise.” — See La Po- therie’s history of America; from 1534 to 1701 . Such was the character of the people of this coun- try during the French government. And their con- duct in the late contest, which has been highly hon- orable, proves that they have not degenerated in principle. Any merit that is allowed Canadians by that class who wish for all the merit themselves will of course appear forced. The truth is, “ He who was all things to oilmen , studied their different charac- ters , , sounded their geniuses, knew rvhat was hurtful to one , what was useful to another, and what every one in particular was capable of.” I say, he, Sir George Prevost, who was all this, gained the confidence of the clergy, and the clergy became his best militia officers. In their walks, at the confessional, from the pulpit, the good of their country formed a prin- cipal part in their devotion, and God save the King, was a hymn constantly sung at their altars. The character of the present Canadians, viewing them as civilians is neatly delineated in Mr. Neil- sons brief account of this country. “ The mass of the Canadian population,” says he, “ may however be said to be agriculturalists. There is no happier people in the world. Their labour affords them the • GG necessaries of life ; no part of it is taken fiom them, but what they consider as being for their own use. Amongst them ambition and vanity, rarely create unreal wants, nor envy sours real enjoyments. In the ordinary state of human happiness, they are cheerful and lively. To evils beyond their controul they submit with resignation. They are strongly attached to their religion, their country, laws, cus- toms and manners ; and utterly averse to all inova- tions. They partake of the French character, some* thing in the same way as the New-Englanders, par. take of that of Englishmen. Both have been mod- ified by circumstances and now differ from their origin. Where there is plenty of land to cultivate, the man who lives by labour, depends only on the Almighty and himself. In America the independ- ent spirit of Englishmen, sometimes degenerates in* to licentious coarseness. The servility of French- men disappears. The Canadian peasant acknow- ledges superiors ; to them he is respectful, but he expects a corresponding attention ; omission in this respect is not easily forgiven. To his equals he is polite and obliging ; inferiors he knows of none ; what he possesses, he owes to his own labour, and every well behaved person enjoys the same means. If one of them serves the other, he is one of the family. The Canadian farmer is social to a vice ; much of his time is sacrificed to this quality. It is this which prevents the young people from remov- ing to a distance, to occupy new lands ; it is this also, which is the source of that value set upon the opinion of others which frequently degenerates into vanity. In his person, he is of the middle size, firmly made and active. There is no people capa- ble of greater fatigue and privation. In these the Canadian is singularly supported by the gaiety of his disposition. His mind is unimproved 5 his ideas confined ; liis capacity excellent. In worldly con- cerns he reasons, and acts from his own experience, his feelings or some received maxims. lie is ex- tremely mistrustful of what he reads or hears, par- ticularly when it does not come from those of his own class. In spiritual concerns, he is guided by his curate ; who if he wishes to stand well with him, must meddle with nothing else.” This sketch I find is given as original in the N. Q. Review, De- cember, 1813, A member in Congress arguing upon the merits of the late war, and stating Canada to be the object, says with great propriety, “ It is really ludicrous to hear us talk of the Canadian’s liberty — they who have no taxes to pay ; no embargoes to endure ; no commerce checked to please a ioreign state ; who choose tlteir own parliaments ; make their own laws j and what is more, manage their own private affairs in their own way, Those Canadians are in- vited by us to partake of our freedom ; we who pay half a dollar duty on teas, and two hundred per cent on the first cost of codec ; we who cannot ride as they do in their cabriolets, without paying for it to an excise officer, &c. But the Canadians knew better their own freedom — -and refused our kind offers,” These are the happy people, whom Sir George Prevost conducted, for the preservation of a fine country, larger than all Europe, to the British Em- pire. “ The great events of the earth — The statesmen and heroes of all ages, claim and obtain admiration because their achievements have been greater than their means. We admire them because with means apparently incompetent, they have performed won- ders.” 68 r ZJ If this observation be correct, the present age and futurity, have reason to admire General h revest s defence of Canada— and not only of Canada, but also, of other places, of which I shall recite one in. stance— that of Dominica ten years since. Sir George Prevost’s (then Brig. Gen. Prevost s) defence of Dominica, HnMTmrA. March 1st* 1S05, At day-break, 22 d Feb. 5 large ships, 3 frigates, 2 brigs, and some small craft, under British colours, a ship of three decks carrying a flag at the mizen, were, discovered oft Roseau m the island oi Domini- ca. They ranged close to one of the Forts, when Brig. Gen. Prevost ordered them to be fired upon, and soon after 1 Head-Quarters , Quebec, 8d April , 181 . 5 . j “ GENERAL ORDERS. His Excellency the Commander of the forces announces to the army serving in British North- America, that he has received the commands of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent to return to England. “ In taking leave of an army he had the honor to command from the commencement of hostilities with the United States to the termination of the war. His Excellency has great satisfaction in ex- pressing his entire approbation and acknowledging the sense he entertains of the zeal, courage and discipline that has been so eminently displayed hv this portion of his Majesty’s troops. 79 “ It has fallen to the lot of this army to struggle through an arduous and unequal contest, remote from succour, and deprived of many advantages ex- perienced in the more cultivated countries of Eu- rope ; yet his Excellency has witnessed with pride and admiration, the firmness, intrepidity, and pa- tient endurance of fatigue and privations, which have marked the character of the army of Canada. Under all these circumstances, valour and discipline have prevailed, and although local considerations and limited means have circumscribed the war prin- cipally to a defensive system, it has, notwithstand- ing, been ennobled, by numerous brilliant exploits, which will adorn the page of future history. At Detroit and at the River Raisin, two entire armies with their commanding generals were captured, and greatly superior armies were repulsed. The sever- al battles of Queenstown, Stoney Creek, Chateau- guay, Chrystler’s, La Cole, Lundy’s Lane, near the Balls of Niagara, and the subsequent operations on that frontier, will ever immortalize the heroes who were on those occasions afforded the opportunity of distinguishing themselves. The capture of Michili- mackinac, Ogdensburg, Oswego and Niagara by as- sault, are trophies of the prowess of British arms. The names of the respective officers who led his Majesty’s troops to these several achievements are already known to the world, and will be transmit- ted by the faithful historian with glory to a grate- ful posterity. “ In viewing past events, it is with exultation his Excellency reflects on the complete success which has crowned the valour, exertions, and perseverance of this gallant army, by terminating each successive campaign in the defeat and discomfiture of all the enemy’s plans, in which the utmost energies of the government of the United States had been exhaust- t*d in vain efforts to accomplish his avowed object, the conquest of these Provinces. “Lieut. Gen. Sir John C. Sherbrooke, and the army under his immediate orders, are entitled to the highest praise for the bravery and promptness displayed in the occupation of a large Dictrict of the enemy’s territory, and his Excellency requests the Lieut. General will accept his thanks for the cordial assistance he has at all times afforded him. “To Lieut. General Sir Gordon Drummond, on whom the command of the Canadas devolves^ his Excellency’s best thanks are due, for his unwearied exertions and support under circumstances of pecu- liar difficulty : To the general officers, general staff and officers and soldiers, lijs Excellency feels him- self highly indebted, and duly appreciates their re- spective merits. To Major General Baynes the adjutant general* and Maj. Gen. Sir Sidney Beck- with, the quarter master general, and to the officers of his personal staff, his Excellency’s thanks are also due, for the judgment, alacrity and zeal evinced in the discharge of their several duties. “ His Excellency has every reason to he satisfied with the conduct and exertions of the public de- partments of this army, and he feels it an act of justice to express particularly his approbation of the Very efficient manner in which the commissariat has been conducted under the zealous and judicious ar- rangements of Commissary-general Robinson. “ Ilis Excellency will have peculiar gratification in representing to his Royal Highness the Prince Resent, the services and talents of the officers of this army, to the honourable survivors of which, Lieut. Gen. Sir George Prevost offers the heartfelt tribute of his warmest thanks. (Signed) “EDWARD BAYNES. Adjutant General North America.”