n words: "The American government affect
now to have taken every step incumbent on the executive as
preparatory to war, and leave the ultimate decision to
congress, as vested by the constitution in that body, which is
fluctuating as the sea: there is a great party in the house of
representatives for war, composed principally of the western
and southern states--members who have little to lose, and may
gain, while the northern and eastern states are vehement
against it. The embargo seems to have been resolved upon,
because at the moment they did not know what else to do. The
cabinet wished only sixty days--the senate made it ninety. Our
government leaves no room to expect a repeal of the order in
council, yet they wait for the return of the Hornet. Something
decisive must then be known; perhaps when they become
completely convinced of Bonaparte's playing upon them, it will
end in declaring against France. The question of adjournment
was lost, notwithstanding there was an absolute majority known
a few minutes before in its favor. The ruling party are split
into many; the old revolutionists, jealous of younger men
taking a lead. The army cannot, I conceive, soon be filled
up--they get few recruits."

You will have heard, long ere you receive this, that the 49th
regiment is ordered home; the 41st are by the same authority
to return to Europe, but Sir George will not, under existing
circumstances, attempt to relieve the posts in Upper Canada,
so that there will be no immediate change in your quarter. Sir
George regrets that he has not field officers of the
description you require to command at Kingston and
Amherstburg. The only prospect of relief in that respect which
he has in view, is from the arrival of the absent inspecting
field officers.

The arrangement you propose respecting the unfortunate
delinquents of the 41st regiment, will perfectly meet the
approbation of Sir George, who approved of your not forwarding
the resignation of the younger members, or indeed of any, if
they are worthy of consideration.

Kempt has brought his name into notice in the assault of La
Picurina, an outwork at Badajoz, where he commanded, being on
duty in the trenches. The Glengary levy goes on swimmingly.

_Sir George Prevost to Major-General Brock_.

QUEBEC, May 27, 1812.