rcumstance
through other channels, I was enabled to communicate the
interesting fact to head quarters, and now transcribe, for
_your individual_ information and future guidance, extracts of
his excellency's _secret_ and _confidential_ answer, dated 4th
ultimo:

"Although the conduct of our intercourse with the Indians is
by his majesty's command vested in the civil government of the
province of Canada, and consequently the interference of
military officers, otherwise than by being present at such
councils as may be held as they are directed to be, would be
improper, I nevertheless desire that you will instruct the
officers in command at the different posts, particularly at
Amherstburg, to report confidentially to you what may pass at
those councils, as well as any other transactions in which the
Indians are concerned, and which may come to their knowledge;
these reports you will forward to me occasionally, as you may
think them of importance."

The conduct which the military are expected to pursue in their
intercourse with the Indian department is so explicitly stated
in the above, that I need not say a word more on the subject.
But I think it highly necessary to put you in possession of
the policy which Sir James Craig is very anxious may be
observed in the present uncertain state of our political
affairs.

"I am decidedly of opinion, that upon every principle of
policy our interest should lead us to use all our endeavours
to prevent a rupture between the Indians and the subjects of
the United States. Upon these considerations, I think it would
be expedient to instruct the officers of the Indian department
to use all their influence to dissuade the Indians from their
projected plan of hostility, giving them clearly to understand
that they must not expect any assistance from us. The
officers, however, should be extremely cautious in pointing
out to them that it is for their own good only that this
advice is given to them, and not from any dereliction of that
regard with which we always view their interests; it will
perhaps require some management to avoid exciting their
jealousy or resentment; the doing so must be strongly
recommended."

I wish you to comprehend clearly the sentiments of Sir James
upon this essential point; because, although I enterta