May 27 1812: Prevost to Brock

On May 27 1812,  Sir George Prevost, in Lower Canada, writes to Major General Isaac Brock, in Upper  Canada. Prevost is answering Brock's letter of May 22. Prevost writes that he is pleased that Brock is taking "precautions to prevent any act occurring within your control that should afford the government of the United States a legitimate pretext to add to the clamour artfully raised by it against England." He also urges the "most rigid economy." Prevost's letter is reproduced below.

Sir George Prevost to Major-General Brock_.

QUEBEC, May 27, 1812.

I was much pleased to find, by your letter of the 22d ultimo, you had taken precautions to prevent any act occurring within your control that should afford the government of the United States a legitimate pretext to add to the clamour artfully raised by it against England.

The circumstance which happened to the guard stationed opposite to Queenstown, arrived here much exaggerated. Your account of it silenced the idle reports in circulation.

I agree with you in deploring the limitation, until the end of the ensuing session, in the operation of the militia act for Upper Canada; but as in the event of hostilities it might not be possible to convene the legislature, then the bill would in all probability continue in force during the war, provided you were not induced to make an exertion for a more perfect law.

Colonel Baynes having informed me he had an opportunity of communicating with you more expeditiously than by post, I desired him to make you acquainted with the peaceful intelligence I had just received from Mr. Foster; but although it comes with a good deal of reservation, still it warrants me  in recommending the most rigid economy in carrying on the king's service, and in avoiding all expense that has not become absolutely necessary, as it is with the utmost  difficulty money can be raised for the ordinary service.

I am apprehensive that I cannot look forward to the pleasure of seeing you before the end of August, as my presence in the   province is become indispensably necessary during the first  operation of the new militia law.

Many thanks for the particulars of the transaction which led to the censure passed by the house of assembly on Chief  Justice Scott.