guine expectations.

_Major-General Brock to Colonel Baynes, the Adj.-General._

YORK, February 12, 1812.

The assurance which I gave, in my speech at the opening of the
legislature, of England co-operating in the defence of this
province, has infused the utmost confidence; and I have reason
at this moment to look for the acquiescence of the two houses
to every measure I may think necessary to recommend for the
peace and defence of the country. A spirit has manifested
itself, little expected by those who conceived themselves the
best qualified to judge of the disposition of the members of
the house of assembly. The most powerful opponents to Governor
Gore's administration take the lead on the present occasion.
I, of course, do not think it expedient to damp the ardour
displayed by these once doubtful characters. Some opposed Mr.
Gore evidently from personal motives, but never forfeited the
right of being numbered among the most loyal. Few, very few I
believe, were actuated by base or unworthy considerations,
however mistaken they may have been on various occasions.
Their character will very soon be put to a severe test. The
measures which I intend to propose are:

1.--A militia supplementary act. Sir George will hear the
outlines from Captain Gray.

2.--The suspension of the habeas corpus. A copy of the act now
enforced in the Lower Province.

3.--An alien law.

4.--The offer of a reward for the better apprehension of
deserters.

If I succeed in all this, I shall claim some praise; but I am
not without my fears. I shall send you the militia act the
moment it passes into a law. The more I consider the new
provisions, the more I am satisfied (giving of course every
proper allowance to the disposition of the people) they are
peculiarly calculated to meet the local situation of the
country. I have not a musket more than will suffice to arm the
active part of the militia from Kingston westward. I have
therefore to request that the number of arms may be sent,
according to the enclosed requisition, to the places therein
specified, on the communication between Glengary and Kingston.
Every man capable of carrying a musket, along the whole of
that line, ought to be prepared to act. The members of the
assembly from that part of the country are particularly