ed as to draw little water, ought not be added to our
means of offence and defence. It is worthy of remark, that the
only American national vessel on Lake Ontario, built two years
ago, and now lying in Sackett's harbour, has remained without
seamen until within the last fortnight, when the officers
began to enter men as fast as possible. A lieutenant with a
party came to Buffalo, a tolerably large village opposite Fort
Erie, and procured several hands, but, not satisfied, a petty
officer was sent to our side to inveigle others. The
magistrates, hearing of this, sent to apprehend him; but he
escaped with difficulty.

The strait between Niagara and Fort Erie is that which, in all
probability, will be chosen by the Americans for their main
body to penetrate with a view to conquest. All other attacks
will be subordinate, or merely made to divert our attention.
About three thousand militia could, upon an emergency, be
drawn by us to that line, and nearly five hundred Indians
could also be collected; therefore, with the regulars, no
trifling force could hope for success, provided a determined
resistance were made; but I cannot conceal from your
excellency, that unless a strong regular force be present to
animate the loyal and to control the disaffected, nothing
effectual can be expected. A protracted resistance upon this
frontier will be sure to embarrass the enemy's plans
materially. They will not come prepared to meet it, and their
troops, or volunteer corps, without scarcely any discipline,
so far at least as control is in question, will soon tire
under disappointment. The difficulty which they will
experience in providing provisions will involve them in
expenses, under which their government will soon become
impatient.

The car brigade will be particularly useful in obstructing
their passage; and I cannot be too urgent in soliciting the
means, both as to gunners and drivers, and likewise as to
horses, to render this arm complete for service. A small body
of cavalry would also be absolutely necessary, and I have
already offers from many respectable young men, to form
themselves into a troop. All they seem to require are swords
and pistols, which the stores below may probably be able to
furnish.

The situation of Kingston is so very important in every
mili