that they will
seek every opportunity to influence the minds of the people
against England, in order to bring them the more readily into
their measures. It will be my study to guard against every
event that can give them any just cause of complaint; but the
proximity of the two countries will in all probability produce
collisions which, however accidentally brought about, will be
represented as so many acts of aggression. It would not
surprise me if their first attempt to excite irritation were
the seizing of the islands in the channel, to which both
countries lay claim: such was represented to Sir James Craig
on a former occasion to be their intention.

In addition to the force specified by your excellency, I
understand that six companies of the Ohio militia are intended
for Detroit. Our interests with the Indians will materially
suffer in consequence of these extensive preparations being
allowed to proceed with impunity. I have always considered
that the reduction of Detroit would be a signal for a cordial
co-operation on the part of the Indians; and if we be not in
sufficient force to effect this object, no reliance ought to
be placed in them.

About forty regulars were last week added to the garrison of
Niagara, and by all accounts barracks are to be immediately
constructed at Black Rock, almost opposite Fort Erie, for a
large force.

I returned three days ago from an excursion to Fort Erie--the
Grand River, where the Indians of the Six Nations are
settled--and back by the head of the lake. Every gentleman,
with whom I had an opportunity of conversing, assured me that
an exceedingly good disposition prevailed among the people.
The flank companies, in the districts in which they have been
established, were instantly completed with volunteers, and
indeed an almost unanimous disposition to serve is daily
manifested. I shall proceed to extend this system now I have
ascertained that the people are so well disposed--but my means
are very limited.

I propose detaching 100 rank and file of the 41st regiment to
Amherstburg, almost immediately.

_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock_.

QUEBEC, May 21, 1812.

Sir George has allowed me to make the following extracts from
a dispatch of Mr. Foster's, dated the 28th April, which I do
in the minister's ow