disposed to make to
avert so great a calamity. Therefore, the next consideration
is the posture we are to assume in case of such an event;
whether we are to remain in a state of strict neutrality,
which doubtless the Americans will call upon us to observe,
and thereby sacrifice our influence over the Indians; or,
unmindful of the consequences, continue to them the accustomed
supplies of food, arms, and ammunition.

I lament to think that the Indians retired from the council,
in which they declared their resolution of going to war, with
a full conviction that, although they could not look for
active co-operation on our part, yet they might rely with
confidence upon receiving from us every requisite of war.

Our cold attempt to dissuade that much-injured people from
engaging in such a rash enterprise could scarcely be expected
to prevail, particularly after giving such manifest
indications of a contrary sentiment by the liberal quantity of
military stores with which they were dismissed.

I shall not fail in reporting every circumstance that may come
to my knowledge relative to our connections with the Indians,
which I think your excellency may desire to be acquainted
with: I must look to officers commanding at the outposts for
such information, as the lieut.-governor withholds from me all
communications on the subject.

Mr. Elliott, who has the management of the Indian department
at Amherstburg, is an exceedingly good man, and highly
respected by the Indians; but, having in his youth lived a
great deal with them, he naturally has imbibed their feelings
and prejudices, and partaking in the wrongs they continually
suffer, this sympathy made him neglect the considerations of
prudence, which ought to have regulated his conduct. If he had
delayed the issue of presents until he reported their mission
to Lieut.-Governor Gore, they would have returned to their
companions, carrying with them the positive sentiments of
government.

_Brigadier Brock to Major Taylor, 100th Regiment, commanding at
Amherstburg_.

NIAGARA, March 4, 1811.

You omitted to report to me the important resolution which the
Indians formally announced last autumn in council to have been
adopted by the different nations, of going to war with the
Americans. Having however received advice of the ci