tary point of view, that I cannot be too earnest in
drawing your excellency's attention to that quarter. The
militia, from the Bay of Quinti down to Glengary, is the most
respectable of any in the province. Among the officers several
are on half pay, and still retain a sound military spirit.
Those from the Bay of Quinti would be properly stationed at
Kingston, but all downwards would naturally desire to be
employed to resist any predatory excursions to which their
property would be so much exposed from the opposite shore.
Besides, I have always been of opinion that a strong
detachment would follow the route of Lord Amherst, and attempt
to enter the province by Ozwegatchie.[42] The militia on the
whole of that communication cannot, therefore, be more
usefully employed than in watching such a movement; and should
the enemy direct the whole of his force by St. John's, the
greater part can with the utmost facility join the army acting
upon that frontier.

The militia act, which I have the honor to enclose, provides
for such an emergency, but your excellency will readily
observe, that among many wise and salutary provisions, there
are but few means of enforcing them. No exertions, however,
shall be wanting in my civil capacity to place that body upon
a respectable footing. Mr. Cartwright, the senior militia
colonel at Kingston, possesses the influence to which his firm
character and superior abilities so deservedly entitle him;
but as I cannot possibly give the necessary attention to so
distant an object, and as a regular officer will be
indispensable to direct the operations, one of high rank
ought, if possible, to be nominated to that command. So much
will remain to be done, and such high expenses to be incurred
in the quartermaster-general's departments, that I cannot too
earnestly request your excellency to select an officer who may
be equal to discharge the various duties of that office. A
head to the commissariat will be likewise indispensable.

I have trespassed greatly on your excellency's time, but I beg
to be permitted to entreat your excellency to honor me with
such advice and counsel as your experience may suggest, and be
assured it will ever be my utmost pride to meet your views and
to merit your approbation.

_Major-General Brock to Lieut.-General Sir G.